After years in the business of understanding and promoting the power of DISC, it’s clear that we are some of the biggest advocates of the benefits of understanding the four styles: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). We know that each behavioral style has a unique focus, a predictable pace, and specific priorities that influence the way one manages their day-to-day activities, interacts with others, and processes emotions. We encourage recognizing and engaging with each person as a blend of all four DISC styles, and highlight both the amazing strengths and potential challenges for each of them in combination. Furthermore, knowing about one’s own DISC style can help them understand the behavioral styles and emotions of others in ways that can make a big difference in many areas of life, both personal and professional.
We also know, that when it comes to effective communication, strong relationships, and personal growth, DISC is not the only useful and helpful tool. DISC, when combined with other tools, can bring greater depth and breadth to awareness of both the self and others. While the foundation of DISC is essential in engaging The Platinum Rule® (to treat others the way they want to be treated), by integrating DISC with other perspectives and insights, you can truly create noteworthy communication and mutually-beneficial relationships.
A True Power Couple
One favorite combination is DISC and Emotional Intelligence (EI). EI refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions while also being able to recognize, understand, and respond appropriately to the emotions of others. After all, one’s DISC style and emotional intelligence are infused and displayed in almost everything we do, including:
By incorporating DISC & EI, we can enhance and amplify the expression of emotional intelligence, leading to improved communication, stronger relationships, and more effectiveness. Understanding one’s behavioral style and emotional intelligence can help them get closer to being the truest and best version of themselves.
Any DISC Style, Any EI
Any DISC style can have any level of EI, though some styles are typically more inclined to have higher EI in some areas over others. This is not a tried-and-true rule, but a logical assumption based on what is most likely to be prioritized for the style. For example, since D styles are typically task focused and results driven, we would anticipate that self-recognition and social recognition scores are likely to be scored lower—D styles are not focused on awareness of self and others; they are focused on results and tasks. However, D styles could just as easily be more attentive and focused on self-awareness at any time, so there isn’t a predictability that comes with each style.
What is predictable is that High and Low emotional intelligence for the DISC styles can easily be the difference between strengths and weaknesses for each. Consider the descriptors of High and Low emotional intelligence below. Would you rather interact with someone with high EI or low EI?
How is EI measured?
Emotional intelligence is a self-assessment that measures 4 components (or quotients), with the first two focused on the self, and the remaining two focused on interactions with others.
Self-Recognition is being mindful of character, temperament, feelings, motives, values, and desires, leading to the ability to be more authentic, self-appreciative, and self-actualizing. Self-Recognition is an inner understanding of unique, personal factors leading to self-acceptance, recognition of feelings and their effects, and the ability to manage these factors for well-being, happiness, and success.
Self-Management is the ability to assume control of thoughts, feelings, communication, and behaviors to produce desired results. Self-management is grounded in taking personal responsibility and leverages self-discipline, goal setting, resilience, problem solving, and stress management to achieve personal mastery and command one’s destiny.
Social Recognition is driven by the accurate observation and interpretation of interactions with others. By leveraging empathy and paying attention to the needs of individuals and dynamics of groups, socially aware people gain the foundation to connect and collaborate with others and build meaningful relationships.
Social Management is building lasting relationships by using your emotions and awareness of the emotions of others to communicate and interact with people in a way that honors their emotional needs. Social Management utilizes the skills of influence and personal leadership to act collaboratively, engage in healthy conflict, and build strong connections.
All of these components work together to help us navigate emotional landscapes and connect with others in a meaningful way.
How DISC and Emotional Intelligence Enhance One Another
Self-Recognition with DISC
Self-recognition is the foundation of both DISC and EI. By identifying DISC style, we gain insights into our Natural and Adapted behaviors, emotions, needs, fears, and how we’ll like react to stress.
- A Dominance (D) style might tend to get frustrated when things don’t move quickly enough or when they feel like they’re losing control. Understanding this gives the ability to pause, reflect, and adjust behavior before frustration escalates and causes more tension or misunderstanding. For other styles, they can understand when a D style may be escalated, and know that’s the time to not take things personally, but get things done.
- An Influence (I) style may be highly motivated by recognition and positive feedback, but can become anxious when the spotlight or attention is on someone else. Acknowledging this tendency can help them to manage their emotional reactions in situations that feel isolating or where they feel unnoticed. For others, they can understand when the I style might need to be noticed or celebrated and provide support and kudos for a job well done.
- A Steadiness (S) style may be slow to change and find uncertainty uncomfortable. Knowing this about themselves, they can take steps to regulate their emotional response in the face of sudden change, perhaps by seeking information or finding ways to bring stability to what feels out of control or difficult to navigate. They can advocate for their needs, rather than shut down or become resistant. For other styles, they can prepare for some concern, push-back, and slow response as the S style works to find their footing and the comfort they need to move forward.
- A Conscientiousness (C) style will tend to seek precision, accuracy, and order, and might become frustrated with ambiguity or things below their expectations of quality. Recognizing this tendency allows them to manage their emotional reactions by focusing on the aspects they can control, while remaining calm and logical. It can also give them more opportunity to be flexible and still maintain high quality in their work. For others, recognizing why quality is such an important part of the job for C styles and what it represents can help them bring more attention to clarifying haziness or doubt and ensuring the best possible results represent the hard work being meticulously contributed.
Self-Management and DISC
Self-management is about managing one’s own emotions so they don’t take over and wreak havoc. Understanding our DISC profile can help us spot when we’re starting to react impulsively or emotionally from instinct, providing the chance to pause and make a more intentional, deliberate choice. Additionally, understanding our DISC style can help us harness our emotions as a tool for motivation, discipline, goal, focus, and flexibility. With our self-management in check, we can be both effective and satisfied, without our emotions getting the best of us.
- D styles are driven by results and challenges, so focusing on achieving goals and overcoming obstacles will fuel their motivation. Control and discipline are strong self-management tools for this style. For others, recognizing the strengths that come with intensity and determination of the D style will be useful, though sometimes it may seem too assertive or aggressive.
- I styles are motivated by social interaction and enthusiasm. They thrive in environments where they are praised and recognized, so a positive, engaging atmosphere can boost their motivational drive. They can thrive on creativity and agility, especially if it’s fun and exciting. Knowing what the I styles bring to the party (pun intended!) can help others value the ways the I styles network and create spontaneous interactions everywhere they go, which can sometimes feel scattered, incomplete, or overwhelming.
- S styles value stability and cooperation. Knowing that they are motivated by helping others and creating harmonious environments, they channel their emotions toward fostering teamwork and positive relationships. For others, recognizing the S style’s desire to contribute and be helpful and supportive will make all the difference in allowing the S style to stay emotionally grounded and capable of giving their best, even if it seems possessive, overbearing, or smothering.
- C styles are motivated by accuracy and structure because it helps them focus on maintaining high standards and producing the highest quality work, using their drive for perfection as a source of motivation. No “t” will go uncrossed, nor “i” undotted. For others, understanding that the C style has the highest expectations of themselves and best results in mind can help bridge the gap with what may feel critical, fussy, or judgmental.
By understanding what drives us and what will likely trigger our emotions, we create an environment that cultivates our motivation, making it easier to stay on track and manage challenges. We can also learn to extend more grace and courtesy in the moments when other styles may see things differently than we do and act in ways that we may not always understand.
Social Recognition and DISC
Social recognition is about understanding the emotions of others and responding in a supportive, compassionate, and appropriate way. Recognizing the DISC styles can help us tune into others’ emotional needs more effectively. When observing and interpreting the emotions of others, keep in mind:
- D styles may be more direct and assertive, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have emotions. They appreciate when others acknowledge their desire for control or efficiency, without pushing too hard. Recognize their concerns and help them refocus or redirect their mindset toward accomplishment.
- I styles are often outwardly expressive and thrive on personal connections. They appreciate enthusiasm and encouragement, so showing empathy through emotional recognition can go a long way in building rapport with them. Get excited with us on the things that they love, and be compassionate when they feel down.
- S styles are typically calm and supportive, and they are terrific listeners. They may not always voice their concerns directly, so understanding their need for stability and avoiding sudden change can show empathy and respect for their emotional state. Providing an open forum to share their concerns is also beneficial, though they may be hesitant to open up until they feel safe.
- C styles value accuracy and logic, so they may be more reserved with showing or expressing their emotions. They will feel understood if you acknowledge their need for navigating the emotions correctly and avoid overwhelming them with more emotional intensity. Take your cues from their behavior; if they step back, don’t force them forward.
When we understand how different DISC styles process emotions, we can offer tailored support that resonates with each style’s needs, enhancing our ability to build strong relationships and become a trusted confidant or colleague.
Social Management and DISC
Effective social management skills are essential for building strong, meaningful relationships. DISC can help us adapt our communication style to connect, lead, collaborate, and develop people with different needs and preferences. This can be a catalyst for building lasting relationships that honors both parties to engage in healthy conflict and create strong, authentic connections.
Whether in teamwork and collaboration, leadership, championing change, developing and nurturing relationships or negotiating through conflict, here are some ways to ensure we are communicating in a way that works for each style:
- If you’re interacting with a D style, keep your communication direct and results focused. Remember, they are fast paced and task driven. Be clear, specific, brief, and stick to business.
- With an I style, be expressive, enthusiastic, and open to conversation. Engage them with energy and positivity. Create an atmosphere of excitement and fun.
- With an S style, focus on building rapport and trust over time. Offer acknowledgment for their efforts, and give plenty of reassurance and support. Be patient and develop two-way communication, even if it takes time for them to open up.
- When approaching a C style, be mindful of their desire for logical discussions and risk analysis. Be prompt, prepared, and precise with facts & data to enhance and enrich the conversation.
By understanding the different ways each style communicates, we can navigate social interactions with greater ease and confidence.
Conclusion: Leveraging DISC to Enhance Your Emotional Intelligence
Understanding our DISC style and how it intersects with our emotional intelligence can dramatically improve our ability to understand and manage emotions, connect with others, and foster better relationships. Whether we’re navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics, improving our personal relationships, or striving for self-improvement, DISC and EI work hand-in-hand to help us build stronger, more mutually-beneficial connections.
Take a moment to reflect on your DISC style, recognize the emotional patterns that shape your interactions, and use that insight to cultivate stronger, more effective relationships—both at work and in your personal life.
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