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DiSC Profile – Amanda DeGan Town Council Planning Retreat – May 30, 2014
Amanda’s Highest Dimension
Amanda, your highest dimension(s) - based on your responses to your perceptions of the
environment and the amount of control you feel you have in that environment - is Dominance
(D). Read the description of Dominance and see how it fits with the way you see yourself.
Dominance (D)
Amanda, you are high in the Dominance dimension. As a result, you are likely to be focused on
shaping your environment by overcoming opposition to achieve results.
Those who are strong in Dominance (“high D’s”) like to take action to achieve the results they
desire. They seek opportunities for advancement and individual accomplishment, and they
often aspire to positions of power and authority. The main objectives for people high in
Dominance are typically control and results, with the freedom to make quick decisions
whenever necessary.
Troubleshooting issues and solving problems do not intimidate high D’s, even if this means
questioning the status quo. People high in Dominance have no problem tackling varied
activities and embracing a wide range of tasks. In fact, they work best when receiving difficult
assignments or getting the occasional shock to their worldview.
To produce their highest quality work, high D’s need to identify with a group and to pace
themselves. This can be challenging, though, because people high in Dominance dislike being
controlled or limited by others. Bosses and co-workers can complement these individuals by
helping to structure a predictable environment for themselves when needed.
Because calculating risks and employing caution are not their strong suits, those high in
Dominance would be wise to surround themselves with people who have these skills. Similarly,
weighing the pros and cons of a situation is probably not in their nature, as they are fond of
action rather than deliberation. So help in that area would also be valuable. A person high in
Dominance should verbalize reasons for conclusions whenever possible.
Often it might be difficult for high D’s to understand that they have to depend on people, but if
aided by individuals who recognize the needs of others, it may become clear. Of course, it also
helps if those high in Dominance just learn to relax more often.
DiSC Profile – Amanda DeGan Town Council Planning Retreat – May 30, 2014
Amanda’s Intensity Index
Each of us has a set of strengths that make us unique and valuable, and we like to be
acknowledged for our strengths, as well as feel effective in our environment. However, any
strength, when used excessively or inappropriately, can be perceived as a weakness. Read
over the highlighted words in the four columns below. These are the adjectives that describe
High, Medium, and Low behavior for each dimension. Then turn the page to learn more about
your Intensity Index and how you can become more aware of your potential strengths and
weaknesses.
DiSC Profile – Amanda DeGan Town Council Planning Retreat – May 30, 2014
On the next four pages are explanations of the words that indicate your level of intensity for
each DiSC® dimension.
D Dimension
People with your score on the D Dimension may be generally described by the following
adjectives. Circle those that you see as your strengths and highlight potential areas of
challenge.
Egocentric: Heavy opposition or distracting events usually do not affect your unwavering
focus on accomplishing your goals. Being self-focused can be a benefit to the team when red
tape or a lack of consensus sidetracks your colleagues. Don’t forget, however, that focusing
too much of your attention inward can be perceived as tedious or self-absorbed.
Direct: Many people appreciate this quality because they don’t have to second-guess what
you say. You can also be an inspiration to others who might be reticent to share their opinions
and ideas freely. However, being too blunt can be hurtful to others and counterproductive to
further communications.
Daring: You usually don’t limit yourself by doing things the same old way. In fact, you’re not
afraid to rock the boat, or even tip it, if the urge hits you. This may be an inspiration to others
who may shy away from taking chances and trying new things. Don’t forget, though, to keep
your bravado in check so you don’t act in a reckless manner that could alienate your co-
workers.
Domineering: Being goal-oriented and decisive can benefit the bottom line for a team or
organization. However, if you’re not listening to the input of others or valuing their opinions
when consensus is needed, you’re likely to encounter resentment or even dissent.
Demanding: Often this means applying pressure to others to achieve desired results. This
can be viewed as a strength when you are working with others toward a common goal or
deadline, provided you don’t disregard the feelings of others or become overbearing.
Forceful: In the work setting, this can mean not taking "no" for an answer. It can be viewed as
a strength when working against negative input or when upholding quality standards against a
very short turnaround. It is no longer a strength when it becomes overbearing or rigid.
Risk-taker: Being the one who makes bold decisions and executes them can be a definite
strength, especially when others are not in a position to do so. However, when taken to an
extreme or used inappropriately, risk-taking can be perceived as self-serving or reckless.
DiSC Profile – Amanda DeGan Town Council Planning Retreat – May 30, 2014
i Dimension
People with your score on the i Dimension may be generally described by the following
adjectives. Circle those that you see as your strengths and highlight potential areas of
challenge.
Discriminating: Ideas and plans often compete with one another, so it is good to have a
distinct idea of what the desired results should be. The ability to discriminate among various
proposals ensures that the best one will rise to the top. But taken too far, this trait can lead to
closed-mindedness.
Reflective: You use this trait in a positive manner when you learn from previous
experiences. However, when relied upon too heavily, a reflective nature leads to an inability
to move forward.
Factual: Straightforward and no-nonsense are words that likely describe you. Being factual
is a quality that your colleagues appreciate, especially if their ideas are sometimes lofty or
unsubstantiated. This trait can be overused, though, and you run the risk of being perceived
as a know-it-all or a wet blanket.
Logical: Because of your common sense and ability to reason, others may look to you to
help them settle a dispute or arrive at the best solution to a problem. If logic is used all the
time, however, it can limit a team that is striving toward new or unproven ways of doing
something.
Controlled: Typically this means that you are self-disciplined and know how to act in most
situations. In other words, you're not one to be laughed at. In being too reserved, though,
you may miss out on new experiences that can broaden and enrich your life.
Retiring: Typically modest and unassuming, you're apt to shy away from attention, conflict,
and power struggles. Preferring to work quietly behind the scenes, you're not one to cause
friction. However, it's important to take a firm stand occasionally on those issues about which
you are passionate, so that others do not trample your feelings.
Suspicious: You may often be skeptical of quick fixes or hype, and you may also check
things out before taking action or making major decisions. Such thoroughness makes you
valuable to any quality-centered organization. But taken to an extreme, this trait can cause
you to become distrustful of others' motives, thereby thwarting the progress of the group.
DiSC Profile – Amanda DeGan Town Council Planning Retreat – May 30, 2014
S Dimension
People with your score on the S Dimension may be generally described by the following
adjectives. Circle those that you see as your strengths and highlight potential areas of
challenge.
Fidgety: Multitasking goes hand-in hand with a fidgety nature. This trait can come in handy
when balancing many different projects. The downside is that such a predisposition can
cause trouble when focusing on one issue at a time.
Impetuous: This means that you often decide quickly on a course of action. In a work
setting, such decisiveness is welcome when confronting tough issues. However, it can
backfire if you make a decision too quickly or before you have all the information you need.
Restless: Looking for new challenges and searching for fresh concepts are positive aspects
of restlessness. The quest for new horizons can benefit an entire team by keeping projects
exciting. Still, in its extreme form, a restless nature can lead you to feelings of unhappiness or
bitterness.
Change-oriented: Avoiding the pitfalls of stagnation necessitates employing this skill, which
keeps you always on the lookout for novel ideas and innovative solutions. But take care that
you do not become so change-oriented that you dismiss the positive aspects of tradition.
Fault-finding: When you uncover errors or identify flaws that others may have missed, you
are using this trait to its fullest, most positive potential. The flip side is that you run the risk of
becoming nitpicky or cynical, which can keep others from sharing ideas or work with you.
Spontaneous: You may find that your best ideas come in a burst of inspiration and activity.
In this way, you can keep things vibrant and fresh while still creating great solutions to vexing
problems. However, when you have to work within a predictable routine or set system, you
may find these limitations frustrating.
Frustrated by status quo: Creative breakthroughs are often the result of discontent with the
status quo, and you may often innovate your way around former barriers. Be careful to
temper your irritation, though, if your attempts at change are thwarted. This can help you
avoid a run-in with higher-ups.
DiSC Profile – Amanda DeGan Town Council Planning Retreat – May 30, 2014
C Dimension
People with your score on the C Dimension may be generally described by the following
adjectives. Circle those that you see as your strengths and highlight potential areas of
challenge.
High standards: Inferior work or half-hearted efforts often frustrate you, so you may set
imposing goals for yourself and others. Such endeavors may inspire you and your colleagues
to greater heights. On the other hand, holding onto unrealistically high expectations for
performance can cause anxiety and animosity among team members.
Analytical: You may approach assignments with a cool logic that calculates every detail or
possible outcome. Favoring reason over gut instinct has the advantage of eliminating
haphazard solutions. It becomes a drawback, however, when it is allowed to minimize
creativity.
Sensitive: This trait is a strength when it allows you to get in touch with the intricacies and
nuances of a project. It becomes a weakness if you get flustered over petty difficulties or
obstacles.
Mature: To use your experience and wisdom to solve complex problems is an excellent
application of this quality. Bear in mind, however, that reliance on your experience can
backfire if you close your mind to new ideas.
Evasive: This means that you often stay out of personality conflicts or infighting, which is to
your benefit. Being too vague, however, can lead to communication breakdowns or questions
about your credibility.
"Own person": You may often stand up for yourself and feel confident in expressing your
opinions. While these are clear strengths, it is important to remember that even the most
independent of people still require positive interactions with others on the job.
Self-righteous: You may often believe that your way is the correct way, a hallmark of this
trait. Such feelings can lead to a strong sense of leadership and decisiveness. But
embracing this trait too strongly can create a smug or condescending person.
DiSC Profile – Amanda DeGan Town Council Planning Retreat – May 30, 2014
Amanda’s Motivation
As a Developer, Amanda, you tend to be an independent thinker who searches for your own
solutions. You are likely to be on the lookout for new opportunities and fresh concepts. The
same old, same old will probably not do for you. This quest for novelty and original
challenges is what tends to fuel you, and you often thrive when faced with knotty problems or
the chance to scale new heights.
Once you find an appropriate challenge, the desire to meet your personal goal usually
inspires you to create innovative solutions and do whatever it takes to succeed. You may
have no hesitation about ignoring conventional thinking, and your solutions can be both
creative and daring. You tend to focus on results, making it even more likely that your
answers to perplexing issues will be ground breaking, even unprecedented. You might ask,
"Is there a better way to do this?" while others go along with the accepted wisdom.
Insights for Amanda
You are most interested in meeting your personal needs and creating new challenges. In its
purest form, this strong drive may lead you to embrace opportunities for advancement. It
also means that you tend to loathe passing the buck. In all likelihood then, you will relish the
responsibility and leadership opportunities that others avoid. You tend not to be afraid of
difficult problems, so you may seek out new horizons constantly to keep your energy
focused.
You may overdo it, however, and take control of people and situations to force your own
results. You might find that increasing your sense of empathy could improve your work life.
It may be useful for you to remember that not everyone has your strong sense of individuality
and powerful drive to succeed.
Another area that could use more of your attention is improving your patience. This would
likely help solidify your relationships with colleagues. It is also an advisable step because
boredom probably terrifies you, as does a loss of control. Minimizing your impatience may
help you quiet these fears, so you can get back to setting new goals and challenges.
Although you thrive when you are free of the constraints of a group, you still need to actively
participate and collaborate with others. Using your natural skill for innovative solutions can
lead to a positive experience for everyone. You can increase your effectiveness even more
by paying attention to quality
control and follow through.
Amanda, you tend to be a strong-willed individual who offers creative solutions to complex
problems, which is an asset to any organization.