DISC: what gives and what takes energy
Each DISC style has certain behavioural characteristics. Below you can read for each behavioural style what gives someone energy but also what costs someone energy. If the situation calls for it, you can also show behaviour that might be further away from you. However, if you have to show behaviour other than where your preferences lie for long periods of time, this can eventually cause demotivation and stress.
| What gives energy | What costs energy |
| Being challenged | A predictable environment |
| Making ambitious plans | Choosing the safe route |
| Troubleshooting | Not daring to make decisions |
| Achieving goals | Low pace |
| Showing leadership | Playing the victim |
| Taking action | Waiting, passivity |
| Meeting deadlines | Time limits exceeded |
| Taking the lead | Having to follow others |
| What gives energy | What costs energy |
| Positivity | Complain |
| An optimistic attitude | Seeing obstacles everywhere |
| Teaming up with others | Having to work solo, Being alone |
| Humour and unconcern | Being heavy-handed |
| Spontaneity and light-heartedness | Calculating, reserved |
| Variety and diversity | Routine work |
| Inspiring | Discouragement |
| Appreciation and compliments | Rejection |
| What gives energy | What costs energy |
| Harmony | Tension and conflict |
| Predictability | Surprises, unplanned actions |
| Routine, steady methods | Ad-hoc work |
| Acquaintances | Strangers, new people |
| Stable environment | Hectic, different every day |
| Steadiness | Uncertainty |
| Time to get used to things | Rapid changes |
| Kind, calm approach | Fierceness, assertiveness |
| What gives energy | What costs energy |
| Quality, detail orientation | Mistakes, sloppiness |
| Structure, overview | Chaos, clutter |
| Following guidelines | Taking risks |
| Formal surroundings | Spontaneous and informal settings |
| Time to analyse | Having to decide under pressure |
| Objectivity | Opinions, assumptions |
| Good preparation | Advising without thorough research |
| Courtesy | Impulsivity |