Refers to individuals for whom getting things just right is the main goal. This sub-trait is also sometimes referred to as ‘Caution’. These types hate to make mistakes – they check and recheck their work, and are prone to correct errors in other people, whether or not they have been asked to do so. This need for certainty means that they will never take a risk unless absolutely necessary. They are also cautious in communication, rarely revealing more about themselves than a bare minimum.

Applies to individuals who prefer to work in a team environment. This is the classic ‘rule-oriented’ sub-trait, relating to a person who needs to be absolutely sure of their position and prefers to use established regulations and procedures as a framework to support their ideas. Cooperative people are so called because this aspect of their personal style extends to the need for practical support from managers, colleagues, and friends, and so they seek to maintain positive working relationships with others.

Describes a person primarily motivated by results. Efficiency appears in a DISC profile when Dominance is significantly higher than Influence. An efficient individual is direct and assertive but has little or no interest in personal matters. They take an objective, analytical view and drive towards their goals ruthlessly and relentlessly. They need to see results and are quite willing to compromise quality or detail to get them.

Relates to animated, expressive behavior. This is an outgoing and extrovert sub-trait that has much in common with Friendlyness, but with the added dimension of energy and pace. This animated style shows their interest in a topic very strongly, and their effusive nature can act as a motivating factor for others. The nature of Enthusiasm tends to vary according to the relative level of the Dominance score in the profile. Where Dominance is low, an individual will tend to confine their expressive style to situations where they feel comfortable and accepted – they will rarely make direct criticism or enter arguments, and are concerned about others opinions of them. Where the DominanceEnthusiasc type is much less concerned about causing offence. Where this type of profile is concerned, the outgoing and expressive style remains, but is bolstered by a more assertive approach.

It’s essentially a social sub-trait, people who are open and warm to others. Friendly people love to talk – communication is the strongest element of this style. They are outgoing and extroverted, but they find it far from easy to concentrate on mundane tasks and are easily distracted from such work by the opportunity for social interaction. Friendly individuals typically display a confident style, especially in circumstances where they feel comfortable and accepted. Despite this confidence, though, they are not particularly assertive – their low level of Dominance makes it difficult for them to be effective in pressurized or confrontational situations.

Is used to describe self-reliant individuals who follow their own goals. Independence appears in a DISC profile when Dominance is significantly higher than Compliance. This type of person feels frustrated by rules and regulations – they prefer to follow their own ideas, and often work alone or in positions of isolated authority. This sub-trait is common, for example, in entrepreneurial styles. Independence is a highly competitive and determined sub-trait. Those who possess it in their behavioral styles are dynamic and direct. The precise way that it will appear in a person’s behavior can often be dependent on the Influence and Steadiness scores in their profile.

Calm and unobtrusive types. This style of person has little sense of urgency and a slow pace, which means that they are able to work in situations that others would find repetitive or dull. They are submissive in style and ready to accept that there are some things they cannot change. Patient individuals tend to have an open and optimistic attitude, especially to other people. They are not competitive in style and prefer to avoid situations where they may come into conflict with others. This leads to a rather trusting approach; they like to develop warm and friendly relations with those around them, and will not usually look for ulterior motives. 

Dogged, tenacious behavior. Persistent people deal particularly badly with change. Once they have become established in a status quo, they find it very difficult to break out of this and adapt to a new situation. This means that they will do what they can to maintain their current state of affairs, showing great loyalty and resilience in defense of their present environment and social circle. Behavioral styles that exhibit Persistence tend to work at their best when they can focus on a single task. People of this kind don’t easily shift their attention from one thing to another; it will often take them time to adjust. Nonetheless, once they are embarked on a particular course of action, they can be relied upon to carry it through to the end.

Describes social confidence. Self-confident profiles represent people who rarely experience self-doubt, and feel at ease in almost any social situation. They mix easily with strangers and are unafraid to initiate social contact. They can at times become over-confident, leading them to act impulsively. Self-confidence is a largely social sub-trait – its effects are most directly seen where a person is in a social situation or interacting with others on a personal level. It does not equate to assertiveness – self-confident individuals may also be assertive, but equally, they may not. This depends to a great extent on the position of the Dominance factor in the profile

Relates to self-starting, ‘go-getting’ styles. Self-motivation appears in a DISC profile where Dominance is higher than Steadiness. Action is a key ingredient of this sub-trait. This type of person feels a need to be active all the time and is impatient with those who are unwilling or unable to keep up with their urgent pace. They react quickly to new developments, but never lose sight of their own goals and ambitions. Self-motivation is very common in highly Dominant profiles: it reflects the self-reliant elements of that factor. Such individuals are capable of accepting personal responsibility for their action and indeed are often eager to do so. Profiles of this kind reflect individuals who can deal with confrontation and pressure as part of their daily lives.

People of this kind are extremely aware of their environment and changes taking place within it, to the extent that they often notice subtle points that other people miss or ignore. In itself, this is a positive factor, but it does have the consequence that they have a very low boredom threshold and are very easily distracted. The precise nature of Sensitivity will vary somewhat depending on the position of the Influence factor within the profile.

Is used to describe individuals who think their actions through carefully. Thoughtful individuals plan their words and actions carefully and never act on impulse. Deadlines and other time constraints are difficult for this type of person to deal with. Their advantage, however, is the reliability and steadiness they bring to their work. As a sub-trait, the term thoughtfulness refers specifically to the fact that individuals with this element in their profile tend to think, plan and consider more than most other types. In common use, ‘thoughtfulness’ also often indicates someone who is considerate or takes other people’s feelings into account. Though this isn’t part of the ‘technical’ definition of the sub-trait, people with high Steadiness in their profile often display such considerate traits in their styles.