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Profiles with High Compliance

High Compliance

Compliance is perhaps the most complex of the four DISC factors, and a High-C (highly Compliant)style reflects this in their behaviour. Passive by nature, often reticent and aloof, people with thiskind of approach can give an impression of coldness or disinterest. Much of this impassive stylestems from their controlled nature, however, which makes them reluctant to reveal information

about themselves or their ideas unless absolutely necessary. In fact, high-C's are often surprisinglyambitious and have lofty goals, but their innate lack of assertiveness and unwillingness to becomeinvolved in confrontational situations makes it difficult for them to achieve these goals directly.Instead, they will tend to use existing structures and rules to accomplish their aims. For example,

where a more Dominant type might simply demand that others follow their instructions, a High-Cwill appeal to rules, authority and logical argument to influence the actions of others.

Relating to Others

High-C's have many strengths, but the ability to relate easily to other people is rarely among these.

The combination of a passive social style with a certain innate suspiciousness makes it difficult forthis type of person to form or maintain close relationships, and this is especially true in a business

sense. Their friendships or close acquaintances will normally be based on mutual interests orcommon aims, rather than emotional considerations.

Common Abilities

High-C's are generally very self-reliant people although this fact is often difficult to perceive for

other styles. They have structured ways of thinking, and often show particular strengths when itcomes to organising facts or working with precise detail or sophisticated systems. The lowSteadiness score in this profile suggests a quick-thinking individual who will often have useful input,but their natural reticence means that they will rarely offer an opinion unless asked directly for their

thoughts.Motivating Factors

There is one factor that has a more significant effect on a High-C's motivation than any other -certainty. They need to feel completely sure of their position, and of others' expectations of them,before they are able to proceed. Because of this, they have a very strong aversion to risk, and willrarely take any action unless they can feel absolutely sure about its consequences.

Sub-traits

The sub-traits of this type are Co-operativeness, Accuracy and Sensitivity.

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High Dominance and Compliance

This 'U'-shaped profile is not uncommon. It represents a highly formal and structured individual witha forceful and blunt style. This type of person believes in getting things right, and is rarely afraid to

state their mind robustly and directly. Of all possible DISC profiles, this style probably representsthe least forthcoming in personal or emotional matters; individuals of this type tend to be remoteand somewhat isolated, preferring to keep their own counsel.

Relating to Others

As we suggested above, relating to others (at least on a personal level) is not a high priority for thistype of person. When communication with others is essential, it tends to be brief and succinct,

focusing on practical matters. This type of individual is quite distrustful of others, and will prefer tokeep facts to themselves unless absolutely necessary.

Common Abilities

This is a personality motivated by achievement and efficiency, as are all personalities containing ahigh level of Dominance. In this case, however, this is modulated by the presence of a highCompliance factor, which also lends the character an interest in detail and precision. A noticeable

element of this type, for example, is their tendency to correct other people when they make errors,even to the point of highlighting mistakes that others might regard as trivial or unimportant.

Nonetheless, this combination of efficiency and precision can be an effective one, and their bluntlyassertive style helps them to achieve difficult tasks by sheer force of character.

Motivating Factors

This is a complex character in terms of motivation. In common with all High-D's, they have a desire

for personal achievement and success, but they also like to feel that they are completingassignments or projects accurately and efficiently. The naturally unexpressive style of this

personality can make it difficult to detect whether or not they are motivated in any particular set of circumstances.

Sub-traits

The sub-traits of this type are Efficiency, Self-motivation, Accuracy and Sensitivity.

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High Influence and Compliance

This relatively common profile includes two factors that appear in some ways to be contradictory.On one hand, Influence is the factor of excitement, enjoyment and extrovert impulsiveness. On the

other, Compliance is related to precision, detail and carefully-followed rules. The ways in which thisapparent contradiction are resolved form the backbone of the interpretation for this type of behaviour.

The differences in approach between these two factors are resolved in an unusual approach.

Normally, two or more high DISC factors will tend to reinforce each other's common points, andblend to make up the entire style. This is not the case with the two opposing styles of Influence andCompliance - what we see instead, with this type of style, is one factor (Influence) appearing inrelaxed, open and favourable situations, while in more formal or structured circumstances, the other

(Compliance) will come to the fore.

Relating to Others

The ways in which this style will relate to other people is highly dependent on the circumstancesunder which an encounter takes place. Within a close circle of colleagues of friends, this style is

capable of quite confident and extrovert behaviour. In a more formal work environment, orpressurised atmosphere, such as an interview for a job, this confidence will often seem to

evaporate, and the style will fall into line with its more Compliant aspect.

Common Abilities

This personality style combines the abilities of a pure High-I and a High-C, but, as we have notedabove, these abilities will not all be apparent at the same time. Different environments will produce

different responses, and so a manager requiring a certain style of behaviour from this type of person should ideally adapt their working environment to suit the type of responses they are looking

for. Note that, in most cases, the profile type will normally show an Influence factor higher thantheir Compliance factor (although, by definition, both must be relatively high), and so confident,

communicative behaviour will be more commonly seen than their reticent, cautious side.

Motivating Factors

This person's motivations are more complex than most, because of the opposing natures of their

two main factors. Their high Influence score means that they are interested in the attention andapproval of others, but because they also have high Compliance, this element of their approach isless likely to be demonstrated overtly, and will instead be more subtle and discreet.

Compliance is the factor of certainty and sureness, and this type of person will look for a clear ideaof their position and the expectations of those around them. Again, however, the complex interplayof factors in their behavioural style will affect the way that they express this need, and they are farless likely than a pure High-C to ask for explicit instructions directly.

Sub-traits

The sub-traits of this type are Friendliness, Enthusiasm, Co-operativeness and Sensitivity.

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High Steadiness and Compliance

Profiles of this kind, showing both high Steadiness and high Compliance, are often referred to as'Technical'. This term is used in its broadest sense; people with this type of approach are suited to

 jobs such as accountancy, computer programming or engineering, because their personalitiescombine accuracy and precision with the patience to work at a problem until it has been solved.They are interested in producing quality work, and will often go to great lengths to ensure that theresults of their efforts are the best they can possibly achieve.

Calm and rational in approach, this type of person often has a better understanding of personal oremotional issues than might be suggested by their relatively detached demeanour. They are notassertive in style, and will rarely offer input in a group situation, or act in an independent manner.

Relating to Others

This rather passive style often finds it difficult to relate to other people, especially in unfamiliarsettings, because they need to know exactly where they stand before they feel able to act. While

they value friendships and strong relations with others, this factor is often disguised by anapparently aloof and reserved style. In order to interact effectively with others, this type will look to

more direct and outgoing styles to initiate and take control of interpersonal issues.

Common Abilities

As the term 'Technical' suggests, the particular talents and skills of this type of person lie in theareas of complex systems and procedures. Their high Steadiness lends them patience and a degree

of persistence, while their correspondingly high levels of Compliance bring an interest in order andprecision to their behaviour. In combination, these factors reflect an individual with strong potential

in broadly technical work. Because of their interest in quality and productivity, it is not unusual tofind people of this kind who possess special skills or knowledge, especially in the 'technical' areas

described.

Motivating Factors

A consequence of the patient, precise style of this type is a need for time to plan and execute theirwork to a standard with which they can feel satisfied. They will wish to work steadily at a project,

and dislike interruptions or distractions from the task in hand. They will also seek certainty, and

need to be sure that the work that they are doing conforms with the expectations of their colleaguesand managers.

A more subtle aspect to this type's motivation is their enjoyment of positive relations with others.

As we mentioned above, this fact is unlikely to be clear from their somewhat reserved and reticentdemeanour, but they like to feel accepted by other people, and can be surprisingly open in style in afavourable environment of this kind.

Sub-traits

The sub-traits of this type are Patience, Thoughtfulness, Co-operativeness and Accuracy.

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High Dominance, Influence and Compliance

Speed of response and a sense of urgency are the defining characteristics of this behavioural type.Their low Steadiness score suggests that their approach will be rooted in a dynamic, impatient style.This is a relatively self-controlled and ambitious style, but they also possess effective social abilitiesthat can be expected to come to the fore in informal, open situations.

While ambition and assertiveness are important elements of this style, the type of person to whomit refers will also have an awareness of the needs of others and a sense of order that make them far

less impulsive and unpredictable than many similarly extrovert types. While they will wish toachieve success in their own right, they also understand that the needs of an organisation will fromtime to time require that they suppress their own ambitions for the good of the team.

Relating to Others

The ways in which this type relates to other people will tend to vary according to their socialsituation, depending on the relative formality of their surroundings. In more social, casual

circumstances, they will project a friendly and animated style, being open and enthusiastic in

general approach.

If their situation is more formal or closely regulated, however, a more direct and determined side tothe personality will develop, being both assertive and self-controlled, and showing far less of the

sociable, gregarious side associated with favourable situations. It is in formal situations of this kindthat the more ambitious and driving elements of the personality will come to the fore, and it is likely

that they will also adopt a somewhat plain-speaking, blunt aspect.

Common Abilities

From the above, it will be clear that an individual of this kind will display different abilities indifferent situations; they can be charming and enthusiastic, or direct and forthright, depending on

their particular circumstances. From a manager's perspective, it will clearly be productive to adaptsuch a person's working environment, so far as is possible, to bring out the particular style that is

most appropriate.

Motivating Factors

Profiles with three high factors, such as this, have complex sets of motivating factors that maysometimes conflict with one another. In this case, motivation stems from the achievement of 

personal ambition, the acceptance and approval of other people, and certainty of their position.Where these are incompatible, as for example if the fulfilment of a goal requires a risk to be taken,

the relative values of the three factors relative to one another will give some indication of theperson's likely course of action.

Sub-traits

The sub-traits of this type are Self-motivation, Enthusiasm and Sensitivity.

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High Dominance, Steadiness and Compliance

This is an unusual profile shape, as are all profiles containing both high Dominance and Steadiness.The main distinguishing feature of this style is its low Influence score, describing a style based more

around practicality and rational thought than emotional considerations, and being generallyreluctant to reveal information about themselves, their ideas or their feelings.

In common with many profiles showing three high factors, this is a complex personality with varyingresponses to varying situations. In this particular case, more assertive and dominant behaviour can

be expected in antagonistic or difficult situations, while a more relaxed (but far less assertive) stylecan be anticipated in less pressurised circumstances.

Relating to Others

The low Influence level in this profile shape indicates that relating to other people is not an area of 

particular emphasis for an individual of this type. Where they do respond to others on more than apurely practical basis, they will tend to be rather passive in approach, reacting to comments or

suggestions from other parties rather than offering direct input themselves. As a situation becomesmore difficult, their willingness to make direct input will increase dramatically, but their readiness to

communicate on a personal level will reduce proportionately.

Common Abilities

The emphasis of this personality is on results and productivity. They work well with facts, and are athome with complex systems. They value effectiveness and efficiency, and will tend to embody these

qualities in their approach to both their work and home lives. Although they have a clear view of their own personal aims in life, they are prepared to bide their time when necessary, and this

thoughtful, patient approach helps them to avoid unnecessary risks or impulsive actions.

Motivating Factors

Profiles with multiple high factors have a variety of motivating factors, and these can express

themselves in different ways according to circumstance. In this case, motivating factors include theachievement of results, time to adapt to changing situations, a full understanding of fact and detailand an avoidance of risk. There will clearly be times when elements of this complex group of 

motivations conflict with one another.

Sub-traits

The sub-traits of this type are Efficiency, Thoughtfulness and Accuracy.

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High Influence, Steadiness and Compliance

This combination of three high factors represents a behavioural style with a number of divergentelements. One common theme of the style, however, is represented by the low level of Dominance,

meaning that overtly assertive or direct behaviour will rarely be seen. Instead, individuals of thiskind will try to achieve their ends through communication, using their persuasive abilities or theirpowers of rational discussion.

This is not an ambitious type of person; profiles of this kind reflect people who rarely set distinct

goals for themselves in life, but prefer instead simply to build strong relationships with others andpursue their personal interests or pastimes. They work particularly well as part of a team or group,being both friendly and co-operative in style, and ready to accept others' ideas.

Relating to Others

Influence, Steadiness and Compliance, the three important factors in this profile, all confer certaincommunicative strengths on this type of person. In combination, these three elements give styles of 

this kind a number of strengths in the field of relations with other people. Influence is the factorthat relates to an outgoing, friendly personality style, while Steadiness confers capable listening

skills and patience with others. Finally, Compliance gives a rational aspect to such an individual'spersonal approach, helping them to present cogent and coherent arguments when necessary.

Common Abilities

As we saw above, many of this style's abilities lie in the field of personal communication and

relationship management. They are good team players who work well with other people, andappreciate their input into discussions. While they have the confidence to maintain a pro-active role,

this does not equate to the direct assertiveness of certain other types. They are capable of beingoutgoing and extrovert, they are also receptive to other people and sympathetic to other points of 

view.

Motivating Factors

This type of person is not ambitious by nature, and rarely has a specific set of goals or aims in life.Motivation for this person is more a matter of a general sense of happiness or contentment, and

specifically this means the development of positive, warm relations with other people, time to adapt

to changes in circumstance, and a sense of sureness about their position, especially (but notexclusively) in social terms.

Sub-traits

The sub-traits of this type are Friendliness, Patience and Co-operativeness.