People Reading Guide
The 4 Main DISC Behavioral Styles
Fast Paced
D & Outgoing
Dominance
Fast Paced and Task Oriented
ƒ High energy, determined, action and
results oriented, takes initiative, quick
decision maker, problem solver, sees the big
picture, challenges the status-quo
• Communication: Outspoken and factual
(non-emotional)
• Motivation: challenge, control, change,
results
• Expectations: D’s expect others to be
direct, to the point, and accepting towards
their need for accomplishment
Task Oriented DISC
Moderate Paced and Task Oriented
ƒ moderate paced, withdrawn, analytical,
cautious, conscientious, keeps to
him/herself, follows rules and procedures,
accurate, performs best individually or with
team-members who appreciate his/her
thoroughness and expertise
• Communication: factual, brief, task
oriented (non-emotional)
• Motivation: security, order, excellence
• Expectations: C’s expect others to be
organized, pay attention to detail, listen well,
and avoid chit-chat
C S
Conscientiousness Thoughtful
& Reserved
I
Influence
Fast Paced and People Oriented
ƒ High energy, easy-going, optimistic,
friendly, helpful, talkative, takes initiative,
quick decision maker, problem solver,
challenges the status-quo, wants to avoid
conflict at all cost
• Communication: direct, verbose,
enthusiastic (emotion-based)
• Motivation: relationships, approval,
popularity, fame
• Expectations: I’s expect others to be
friendly and appreciative
People Oriented
Moderate Paced and People
Oriented
ƒ moderate paced, easy going, follows
through, friendly, helpful, good listener,
good follower, follows rules and
procedures, tends to avoid conflict at all
cost
• Communication: good listener, non-
confrontational, patient (emotion-based)
• Motivation: security, relationships,
approval, harmony
• Expectations: S’s expect others to be
patient, friendly, and cooperative
Steadiness
 People Reading Guide
Communicate Effectively with the 4 Styles
Fast Paced
D & Outgoing
Dominance
When communicating with a high D:
• Keep your conversation short and focused
on the topic at hand
• Stay away from jokes and stories (especially
at work)
• Show your competence early in the
conversation
• “Don’t waste my time”
• Allow them to feel in charge
For the D style subordinate: Provide clear
rules and expectations
Task Oriented DISC
When communicating with a high C:
• Use short sentences and to the point
• Stay away from jokes and stories (especially
at work)
• Show your competence early in the
conversation
• Don’t criticize their work (unless you really
thought it through)
•Display appreciation for detail & accuracy
For the C style subordinate: Provide
deadlines (as they want to do an excellent job,
they sometimes take too much time)
C S
Conscientiousness Thoughtful
& Reserved
I
Influence
When communicating with a high I:
• Smile and be informal
• Use humor and share personal (or not –so-
personal) anecdotes
• Praise them for their accomplishments
• Listen to their stories and jokes
• Allow them to express their feelings
• Whenever possible, don’t bore them with too
much technicalities and details
For the I style subordinate: Provide written
details of what’s expected & regularly follow
up on progress
People Oriented
When communicating with a high S:
• Smile
• Exercise patience: don’t rush them
• Give them a chance/time to express
themselves
• Express your appreciation of their work, etc.
• Don’t push them to go beyond their comfort
zone (whenever possible)
For the S style subordinate: Provide clear
and detailed description of job related duties &
provide detailed reasons for upcoming
changes
Steadiness