Steadiness

In the DISC system of personality classification the 'S' stands for Steadiness.

People with high "S" styles scores want a steady pace, security, and do not like sudden change. High "S" individuals are calm, relaxed, patient, possessive, predictable, deliberate, stable, consistent, and tend to be unemotional and poker faced. Low "S" intensity scores are those who like change and variety. People with low "S" scores are described as restless, demonstrative, impatient, eager, or even impulsive.

How to recognize a High "S"

• Environment
  • Personal belongings from home/children/friends; family pictures; comfortable; stable; harmonious
• Appearance
  • Comfortable; within policy guidelines; “favorite” clothes
• Walk
  • Comfortable pace, smiling at everyone, and saying “hello” to those who are perceived as approachable and friendly
• Communication Medium
  • Private; face-to-face; regular telephone calls, letters and/or E mails; saves messages for reassurance and protection
• Talks About
  • Family; hobbies; morale; “good old times"
• Quotes
  • “How?" “Let me think about it..." “Do you need help?"

Communication with a high "S"

• Avoid rushing them into quick decisions
• Don't leave out details
• Provide lots of clarity
• No surprises
• Don't ignore their feelings of responsibility for others
• Provide ideas for review and requests for preparation prior to the meeting or change, or, expect a non-response.
• Begin conversations on a non-threatening, positive note; be calm, sincere, personable, and supportive.
• Focus on the necessity/desirability of your idea; present how changes will make their job easier and more enjoyable.
• Clearly define roles, °`lit,” goals, and expectations.
• Provide specific directions; thoroughly explain processes; prioritize projects; offer alternatives.
• Provide exact examples they can follow to do any task.
• Propose team decisions; let them team up with others.
• Minimize risks/unknowns; share what to do when uncertain.
• Be patient; allow time to contemplate thoughts/feelings and to adjust; do not pressure for immediate decisions.
• Follow-up for further thoughts, questions, and concers.

Influencing a High "S"

• Demonstrate reliability and dependability
• Ask "How" question and get their opinion
• Be persistent and clam
• Emphasize stability and security issues
• Link new ideas/ approaches to existing methods
• Listen actively
• Give them time to think through issues
• Be patient and ask for their views
• Provide personal reassurances
• Use words
  • Security
  • Continuity
  • Value
  • Appreciation
  • Experience knowledge

Effective behaviors of a High "S"

• Amiable; approachable; considerate
• Asks “how?"; depends on proven processes/procedures
• Calm; easygoing; relaxed; stable; steady
• Careful; patient
• Consistent, deliberate; methodical; predictable
• Cooperative; considerate; team player; family-oriented
• Democratic; guides and relies on others; privately solicits
• Input and reassurance from those who will not judge them
• Dependable; reliable
• Helpful; teacher
• Honest; sincere; trustworthy
• Listens actively; empathetic; sympathetic
• Loyal; dedicated; supportive
• Mediator; non-disruptive; non-threatening
• Persistent
• Private; quiet; restrained; soft-spoken

Ineffective behaviors of a High "S"

• Apathetic; complacent; non-ambitious; uneager; unhurried
• Avoids pressuring others, confrontations and threatening situations; hesitant; risk-aversive to a fault; too patient
• Being taken advantage of; manipulated; difficulty in saying “no”; over-extends to help others at own expense
• Forgotten; little to no self-promotion; overlooked; unknown
• Holds grudges; possessive
• Inflexible with procedures; set in ways; stubborn
• Needs help getting started, prioritizing, seeing creative choices, or stretching on challenges
• Non-assertive; overly apologetic; asks for permission too often; uncomfortable giving direct opinions
• Prefers others to make the tough decisions; over-yielding
• Reacts slowly and uncomfortable in ever-changing and unpredictable environments; may not act rather than err

Motivators of a High "S"

• Clear roles, goals, and performance expectations
• Follow-up opportunities to share concerns and questions
• Frequent feedback/credit for work; validation of self worth
• Job security; stable, harmonious, peaceful environments
• Leadership they can trust to guide them
• Minimal change, conflict, risks and unknowns
• Minimal work infringement on home life
• Proven processes and procedures; standard operating procedures; predictable routines; historical records
• Sincere appreciation of their team efforts and diplomacy
• Strong direction; specific instructions (clear models, examples, samples); thorough project plans and boundaries/guidelines that meet performance expectations
• Team situations; identification with a group; opportunities to help others; cooperation; support
• Work associates of similar competence and sincerity

De-motivators of a High "S"

• Being forced to make quick and tinal decisions; being put on the spot for opinions, decisions and public exposure
• Being taken advantage of; lack of trust
• Confrontation and threatening situations
• High ambiguity; no explanations, structure, or support
• Infringement on their personal time
• Public speaking/recognition; forced socializing
• Unexpected, sudden, and high-risk changes; high pressure directives; abrupt commands; unstable environment; lack of job security
• Unpredictable and impatient leaders; overbearing personalities; brazen actions; emotional outbursts; disloyal, aloof, non-team players