The DISC S Personality can appear slow at taking action and making decisions. But they like close and personal relationships.
Some people refer to the DISC S personality as “Steadiness Style” or “High S Style”.
People with High S scores dislike interpersonal conflict and are described as:
- Being able to support and actively listen to others.
- Weak at goal setting and self direction.
- Having an excellent ability to gain support from others.
- Working slowly and cohesively with others.
- Seeking security and belongingness.
- Having good counseling skills
Whereas those with a Low S score tend to be active when it comes to the pace of the environment and rather impatient. They are also seen as spontaneous and discontented.
America’s favorite “Uncle,” Walter Cronkite, was a classic example of a low-keyed, sincere-acting, Steady Style. He visited millions of homes each weeknight via TV for decades. People still reminisce about his soothing voice and comforting delivery. Whether the news was good, bad, or indifferent, his manner had a unique way of adding a sense of stability, calmness, and reassurance to the evenings at the end of our busy workdays.
Like “Uncle Walter,” other Steady Styles also naturally “wear well” and are an easy type to get along with. They prefer stable relationships which don’t jeopardize anyone, especially themselves. The Steady Style can be represented by the koala with its accompanying slower, steady pace; relaxed disposition; and appearance of approachability and warmth. They have a tendency to plan and follow through. This helps them to routinely plug along.
Greatest Asset of DISC S Personality
Create a stable environment and are good listeners. High S Styles are relaxed and sincere and are team players. Bringing harmony to a group comes second nature to them.
Greatest Limitation of High S Style
Steady “S” Styles have their own type of unique difficulties with speaking up, seeming to go along with others or conditions, while inwardly, they may or may not agree.
More assertive types might take advantage of this Steady Style tendency to give in and avoid confrontation. Additionally, Steady Styles’ reluctance to express themselves can result in hurt feelings. But if they don’t explain their feelings, others may never know. Their lack of assertiveness can take a toll on this type’s health and well-being.
#1 Fear of Steadiness Style
Sudden change: Related to their goal of keeping things very similar is their accompanying fear of change and disorganization. Consequently, any disruption in their routine patterns can cause distress in the Steady Style.
Fearing sudden changes, they are naturally concerned with what may happen. A general worry is that the unknown may be even more unpleasant than the present. They need to think and plan for changes.
Finding the elements of sameness within those changes can help minimize their stress by identifying the specific assurances required to cope with such demands.
Ideal Careers for DISC S Personality
Secure positions and careers where the STEADY STYLES can specialize in some areas and be part of a team: Financial services, social worker and family doctor/nurse would be great careers for the S Style. Also a teacher, librarian or personal assistant/secretary.
Summary – All about S’s – The “Steadiness Supporter”
Key Word = Steadiness: Steading the pace of the environment.
Style: High S = Patient, sincere and stable.
Moderate S = Composed, deliberate and steady.
Low S = Active, impatient and fault-finding.
Differing from the more reactive nature of the D, they tend to be loyal, slower paced and see most situations as potentially favorable. More fast paced and outgoing personalities can find the High S’s need to think before acting and being indecisive when under stress difficult to understand.
High S’s Goal: Security and maintaining a stable and steady environment.
High S’s Fears: Sudden Change and loss of security.
Emotional Expression: Optimism (and supporter of people)
High S = Non-demonstrative.
Low S = Change orientated and spontaneous.
Overview of High S’s
You can recognize Steady “S” Styles by their natural listening patterns and slower, lower-key delivery. Their questions often focus on concrete topics and experiences. “What did you say the terms for payment were again?” They walk casually, acknowledging others and sometimes getting sidetracked by chance encounters.
Like the Influencers, High S’s are also people-oriented but at a much slower pace, and they don’t like to make quick decisions. They like to do things the way they always did. These are the “worker bees” in a company. High S’s are patient and loyal. They also are very good at listening to people and calming others when they get upset.
When you find, and recognize one of these people, smile at them! They are the ones who do all the work! S’s are the ones who hold our organizations together. Their controlled, deliberate pace creates the stability needed to keep the work flowing. They are the ones that keep things predictable and add stability to our lives.
Tips for People in Relationships with High S’s:
- Support their feelings by actively listening.
- Move along in an informal, slow manner.
- Allow them time to trust you.
- When you disagree, discuss personal feelings.
- Provide guarantees and personal assurances.
So, remember to give High S’s time to think about the change you are asking them to make, as they are always thinking about what might happen. They won’t always tell you how they’re feeling so also remember to practice a little bit of patience with them.
If you’d like to apply DISC to become a more effective leader, get a copy of the DISCovering My Leadership Style Report.
