D.I.S.C. Personality Analysis

This past Saturday, when Caleb came to visit, Mom had us all sit down and watch a video on D.I.S.C. Personality Types, and I just had to share it and explain more about it, and in general, do some free advertising for the concept, since I am so fascinated in this.

To break things down a little and to explain a bit clearer, Dr. Robert A. Rohm gives a presentation seminar (and we watched this on DVD) on How to Understand Yourself and Others -- A Dynamic Series that will begin your journey to becoming a Great Communicator. He humorously delivers these sessions and reveals how, when we "learn to identify specific temperament types, we can discover people's motivational drives and how to interact more effectively." And I've found that, being enlightened by this some years ago, that it helps me work with people and understand them on an entirely different level.

So, Dr. Rohm breaks down the basic categories of human personalities into four basic groups. The first group is comprised of people with what he calls a "D" personality type, and they are Outgoing and Task oriented. The second type of personality is the "I," which is Outgoing and People oriented. The third group is the "S," which is Reserved and People Oriented. And finally, the "C"'s which are Reserved and Task oriented. So, there is some evenly-distributed overlap here.

Now, I'll explain a bit more about each type, which is the fun part! In the booklet that comes with the DVD, there are some charts and exercises to follow along with the video, and on one of the sheets, Dr. Rohm has six words for each personality type, which describe each type more clearly.

So, someone who is a "D" personality type is usually Dominant, Direct, Demanding, Decisive, Determined, is a Doer, Dictatorial, Dogmatic, Dreamer, Diligent, Dynamic, and sometimes Defiant. Someone who is an "I" is Inspirational, Influencing, Inducing, Impressive, Interesting, Impressionable, Important, Interchangeable, Interested in people, Impulsive, Imaginative, and sometimes Illogical. An "S" personality type is Steady, Stable, Secure, Supportive, Servant, Sweet, Submissive, Shy, values Status quo, Sentimental, finds security in Sameness, and is sometimes a Sucker. And a "C" is Competent, Cognitive, Cautious, Careful, Calculating, Critical Thinker, wants Compliance, Constientious, Correct, Conformist, Consistant, and sometimes Cold. Now, in these four kinds of characteristics that make up a personality, not one is better than the other, nor bad nor good, etc. Simply, different.

And also, very rarely is one person exclusively any one type -- usually they are more of a combination of two or three. And I'll go into that a little later!

Further detail now!

A summary of the "D" personality type :

In a nutshell, they are the leaders in our world. They take the initiative and get the job done. Typically, they stay focused on their goals, they know their minds, and nobody is going to get in the way of their completion of those goals. For example, "D"'s are usually CEO's of companies, and generally just big leaders, such as senators and presidents.

"D" Types Like:

Acitivity, Bigness, Challenge, Competition, Doing Things, Hard work, Major Productions, To be "in charge," To fight, and Violence.

Examples: I work with a "D" type manager. He likes to see progress, and he doesn't easily take no for an answer. He likes telling people what to do, and he likes hard workers. He cannot stand laziness, nor can he stand it when certain employees (including myself, I admit, shamefacedly) who are not consistantly on time for work.

"D" Types:

Can be critical of poorly performed tasks, Complete amazing amounts of work, Need to learn to delegate responsibility, Run roughshod over people, Wrongly believe that approval and encouragement lead to complacency.

"D" Types are:

Goal-oriented, Hard to please, Industrious, Performance conscious, Self-confident, and Firm.

"D" Types DON'T Like:

Indecision, Lazy people, Slow activities, Slow People, Talkers who don't produce, and Taking orders.

"D" Types Want You to be:

Quick, Specific, To the point, and A winner.

STRENGTHS of a D TYPE:

Strong-willed, Determined, Independent, Optimistic, Practical, Productive, Decisive, Leader, and Confident.

WEAKNESSES of a D TYPE:

Angry, Cruel, Sarcastic, Domineering, Inconsiderate, Proud, Crafty, Self-Sufficient, and Unemotional.

UNDER CONTROL ------ VERSUS ------ OUT of CONTROL:

Courageous ------ Reckless, Quick to Respond ------ Rude, Goal-Oriented ------ Impatient, Results-Oriented ------ Pushy, Deliberate ------- Dictatorial, Self-Confident ------- Conceited, Direct ------- Offensive, Self-Reliant ------ Arrogant, Straightforward ------- Abrasive, Competitive ------- Ruthless.

As far as careers that "D"'s thrive in, some examples would be: Administrators, Army Rangers, Athletes, Boxers, Business Owners, Coaches, Developers, Directors, Entrepeneurs, Executives, FBI/CIA/DEA Agents, Fighter Pilots, Lawyers, Leaders, Marines, Motivators, Navy Seals, News Anchors, Police Officers, Private Investigators, Pro Athletes, Producers, Racecar Drivers, Real Estate Developers, State Patrolmen, and Surpervisors.

My maternal grandfather was primarily a "D" type personality, and whenever I think of a D, I think of him. He was football captain and quarterback in college at Yale University, he had friends who went on to be CEOs of companies, and I remember him as a very direct, firm, (but he was my grandpa, so he was certainly loving,) hard working, and determined man. And I've met some "D" types who are on the more intense side. These people can get in your face sometimes, and they DO NOT like being told what to do. It's quite interesting to meet a child with this demeanor... and it seems understandable to wonder how, in the situation where a "D" child has more laidback parents who can't say "No," such sweet parents could have such an unruly child. See how this begins broadening your understanding of people already? I love this....it's amazing to me!

On to the next personality type in the D.I.S.C., which is the "I" type. (I love describing this type the best, I think.)

A summary of the "I" type:

They are the entertainers of our world. They love to be the center of attention, they are FUN, and they absolutely LOVE people!!! They tend to be enthusiastic about EVERYTHING, and whatever book they read last, whatever movie the last saw, well, it was the BEST they'd ever experienced!!! "I"'s are talkers, and they love to know what's going on with people. They are good at lightening up situations when times get serious, and they are bubbly, outgoing, and positive.

"I" Types Like:

Exposure to people, Lots of activity, Making people happy, Making people laugh, Selling...while they play (golf, tennis, etc.), Short-term projects, To be on the go, and Prestige.

Examples: I have lots of friends with strong "I" personalities, and I also have a large percentage of "I." Children with this personality type tend to have trouble focusing on things like school work because they go to school to socialize!

"I" Types...

Can be "higher than a kite" or "lower than a skunk" (and don't ask me why I put that in there -- it's not original -- I'm simply copying out the booklets from the DVD!), Have lots of friends, Need self-discipline, Wrongly believe that talking and doing are synonymous.

"I" Types Are...

Fun to watch, Great starters, Poor finishers, Likeable, Prone to exaggerate, and Easily excitable.

"I" Types DON'T Like:

Being ignored, Being ridiculed, Being isolated (key to know for efficient disciplining when parenting!! Timeouts work for "I"'s!!), and Doing repetitive tasks.

"I" Types Want You to be...

Fun, Responsive, Stimulating, Positive, Upbeat, and Enthusiastic.

STRENGTHS of an "I" TYPE:

Friendly, Compassionate, Carefree, Talkative, Outgoing, Enthusiastic, Warm, Personable, and FUN.

WEAKNESSES of an "I" TYPE:

Weak-willed, Unstable, Undiscipled, Restless, Loud, Undependable, Egocentric, Exaggerative, and Frivolous.

UNDER CONTROL ------- VERSUS ------- OUT OF CONTROL:

Optimistic ------ Unrealistic, Persuasive ------ Manipulative, Excited ------- Emotional, Communicative ------- Gossip, Spontaneous ------- Impulsive, Outgoing ------ Unfocused, Expressive ------- Excitable, Involved ------- Directionless, Imaginative ------- Daydreaming, Warm/Friendly ------- Purposeless.


"I" Types are best at these careers: Actors, Airline Stewardesses/Stewards, Auctioneers, Broadcasters, Car Salesmen, Circus Clowns, Comedians, Entertainers, Interior Decorators, Leaders, Peace Corps Volunteers, Performers, Polititians, Public Speakers, Reporters, Salespeople, Story tellers, Teachers, Telemarketers, and Wedding Consultants.

A good example of the perfect "I" is Lucille Ball. She was a classic entertainer, and she loved making people laugh! Some "I"'s will do anything to get people to laugh at them or think they are funny, which makes them quite entertaining people to be around. A child with this personality type likes to be the center of attention, loves being on stage, whether for a musical performance or for a speech contest or spelling bee -- they thrive in the spotlight, and they crave recognition and a pat on the back. For me, when I was younger, I would do anything to deserve a star on my grammar books or spelling exercises. My mom knew me well and praised me, which encouraged my growth through little prizes that showcased my good work. I was stimulated to do well as a result of praise. And I still am!

The next personality type is the "S."

They are the servants of our world. They are kind and sweet to everyone, they want to please people, and sometimes, they themselves are the last people they think about, which makes them servant-like in nature. On the shy side, an "S" personality likes peace and the status quo, so naturally, they avoid conflict and confrontation. They are very faithful, practical, and dependable, sometimes to the state of being predictable. "S"'s are very steady people.

"S" Types Like:

Peace, Stabilizing things, To wait, Friendly environments, To finish the job, and Teamwork.

Examples: My mom has a lot of "S" in her. She was shy as a child, although she is much more outgoing now, but she likes peace, and loves family time, and having routine. She is a nurse, and enjoys serving other people, especially the family. "S"'s grow up to be those sweet, patient little old ladies that everyone just loves because they're so thoughtful and considerate to everyone.

"S" Types:

Are motivated by helping others, Are seldom in a hurry, Need lots of appreciation, Will support you, Stay with proven methods, and Are sentimental.

"S" Types Are...

Easily manipulated, Reluctant decision makers, The sweetest people in the world, Loyal friends, Poor starters, and Great finishers.

"S" Types DON'T Like...

Insensitivity, Misunderstandings, Surprises, To be yelled at, Sarcasm, or Being pushed.

"S" Types Want You to be...

Kind ("not harsh"), Pleasant, Patient, and Understanding.

STRENGTHS of an "S" Type:

Calm, Dependable, Easygoing, Trustworthy, Efficient, Practical, Conservative, Diplomatic, and Humorous.

WEAKNESSES of an "S" Type:

Stingy, Fearful, Indecisive, Spectator, Self-Productive, Unmotivated, Selfish, Timid, and Shy.

UNDER CONTROL -------- VERSUS --------- OUT OF CONTROL:

Relaxed ------ Lacking Initiative, Reliable ------ Dependent (on you), Cooperative ------ A Sucker, Stable ------- Indecisive, Good Listener ------ Uncommunicative, Single-Minded ------ Inflexible, Steadfast ------ Resistant to Change, Softhearted ------ Easily Manipulated, Systematic ------- Slow, Amiable ------- Resentful.

"S" Types make wonderful Artisits, Chefs, Child Care Workers, Counselors, Customer Service Representatives, Diplomats, Elementary School Teachers, Flight Attendants, Funeral Directors, Homemakers, Librarians, Managers, Meeting Planners, Nurses, Painters, Pharmacists, Planners, Researchers, Secretaries, Social Workers, Teachers, Technicians, Vets, Waiters/Waitresses, and Writers.

I think of the "S" personality as Winnie the Pooh. He never quite knows what he thinks, unless his opinion is presented to him by someone else. He is incredibly loving, very loyal, and quite patient. He adores his friends and would do anything for them, and he also can be shy. For example, can you see how an "S" parent might have extreme difficulty in raising a "D" child? Or even an "I" child? Their peace is found in compliance and sheltered safety of sameness. They are not comfortable in the spotlight such as their "I" child, nor can they stand up for themselves very easily against their "D" child. They want to please everyone!

I must introduce you to a further explanation of the fourth and final personality type: The "C"

They are the philosophers and questioners of this world. They seek the true answers, and always desire to be correct. "C"'s are usually very orderly, sometimes to the ridiculous extent of nitpicky and maybe even OCD. They are highly creative and logical in their thinking skills and ideas. The "C" personality loves to ask questions! And they can be difficult to reason with, because a "C" is ALWAYS right. Consequently, "C" personality types enjoy arguments and debates and figuring things out systematically and thoroughly. They like justice and fairness. They are very bright, gifted, talented, precise, and intelligent.

"C" Types Like:

Consistancy, Creativity, Detail, and Perfection.

Examples: I have a lot of "C" in me. I'm a sucker for detail, which is why I so instinctively end up complicating things, such as using too many words to describe this sentence. I am very creative, and I can be quite a perfectionist about some things. I say SOME because my "I" dominates over that quality of me, in that, I am not precise about everything. Also, my favorite question is "Why?"

"C" Types...

Have good imaginations, Have lots of questions, Tend to irritate people, and Usually have high I.Q.'s.

"C" Types Are...

Impossible to satisfy, Logical, Meticulous, and Self-sacrificing.

"C" Types DON'T Like:

Being criticized, Mistakes, Sudden changes, or Unnecessary interruptions.

"C" Types Want You to be...

Accomodating, Accountable, Accurate, and Analytical.

STRENGTHS of the "C" TYPE:

Gifted, Analytical, Sensitive, Perfectionistic, Aesthetic, Idealistic, Loyal, Self-Sacrificing, and Thorough.

WEAKNESSES of the "C" TYPE:

Self-centered, Moody, Critical, Negative, Rigid, Theoretical, Impractical, Unsociable, and Revengeful.

UNDER CONTROL --------- VERSUS ---------- OUT OF CONTROL:

Orderly ------ Compulsive, Logical ------ Critical, Intense ------- Unsociable, Curious ------- Prying, Teachable ------- Easily Offended, Cautious ------ Fearful, Correct ------- Inflexible, Questioning ------ Doubtful, Conscientious ------- Worrisome, Precise ------- Picky.

Career-wise, "C" types are good Accountants, Architects, Artists, Authors, Bankers, Bookkeepers, Camera Repairmen, Carpenters, Chemical Engineers, Clerks, Composers, Computer Programmers, Consultants, Craftsmen, Dentists, Educators, Engineers, Finishing Carpenters, Glass Blowers, Hospital Administrators, Interior Decorators, Inventors, Lawyers, Librarians, Long-Range Planners, Machinists, Mechanical Engineers, Musicians, Performing Artists, Philosophers, Phyisicians, Pilots, Playwrights, Plumbers, Professors, Scholars, Scientists, Soloists, Specialists, Statisticians, Surgeons, Teachers, Theologians, and Watch Repairmen.

A good example of a "C" would be Sherlock Holmes. He always has a question on his mind, is always evaluating the details of a case, and he pays attention to details, which makes him such a successful detective (and otherwise, we would not have such wonderful stories to read about him.) A "C" thinks about things with a creative twist on it. They love to analyze and question.

So, if you were wondering what my personality type is, it is some blend of "C," "I," and "S." I still haven't figured out which is strongest -- "C" or "I." But I'm finding that, in writing this all out, I believe I have a lot more "I" than I thought!! I know I have plenty of "C," otherwise I wouldn't be as creative or musical or artistic or detailed as I am. And I'm certain that I have a good deal of "I" since I love people and being around my friends and talking with them -- I enjoy my job as a hostess/waitress at a restaurant, since I get to work with people, and I also love having fun and being the center of attention and getting people to laugh and be happy. And I know I have a considerable amount of "S" since I still struggle with voicing my own opinions (but working on strengthening my "C" helps with that!) and such. While I do love being around people, sometimes I really need my alone time, and I know that's where my "S" comes in. I love being with my family and having that sense of security. I'm pretty sure I focus on positive things, since I haven't really mentioned a whole lot that I DON'T like! But, to help you understand even more, in general, I'm a people pleaser ("S"), but I do value justice and the right thing ("C"), and if pushed to my limit, I WILL stand up for myself and those I love (an extreme of "S" when pushed too far). One of the things I value and crave MOST is communication ("I"), and I can be extremely persuasive ("I"), yet I am still secure in who I am now and won't waver easily for things I strongly believe ("S"). I have hardly any "D," and what little I might have buried down there somewhere surely comes from being the firstborn, which is another interesting discussion I'll have to research -- your birth order and how it affects and helps develop your personality.

But that is for another time!

I hope you've enjoyed reading all of this, because it is something that FASCINATES me!! And I hope you have fun breaking down your own personalities and discovering why you are and how you are the way you are, and enjoy evaluating your family and people you know so you can understand them more efficiently!!

It has certainly helped me.

Cheers to you all!!

Natalie