DISC Model FAQ’s: Is One Style Better Than the Others?

People often ask me if one DISC style is better than the others.

My answer is, emphatically, NO! One DISC style is not better than the others. All of the DISC styles have value. All of the DISC behavioral styles contribute something to businesses and families.

I would say that a particular behavior normally associated with any of the DISC styles can be either appropriate or inappropriate depending on the context and the situation.

For example, I am naturally calm, unemotional, and analytical. That particular blend of behaviors is really good for evaluating data and coming to rational conclusions based on the evaluation. These behaviors are not particularly helpful when I want to connect with another person or do a presentation in front of a group of people.

When I work with others, I have to apply more engaging behaviors so that they realize that I care about them, the situation, or my presentation. My “high-C” behaviors are not necessarily worse than typical “high-S” or “high-I” behaviors. While my natural style is really good for analyzing data, the behaviors that go with that style might not be effective (I should say, probably will not be effective) in connecting with others.

I have to learn to apply different behaviors in different situations. I do this to be effective in the situation, not because my style is “worse” than any other style.

One of the mantra's we repeat in training is:

Not good. Not bad. Just different.