Combining the Motor and the Compass
You now have the two basic concepts: the motor and the compass. Now, we take a look at what happens when we combine those two together, like Marston did.
As you thought about where you might be on each of these two spectrums, it is important to realize that no matter where you might see yourself, it's a perfect place to be! It is what makes each of us, well . . . HUMAN!
Now we will bring both the vertical spectrum of the motor and the horizontal spectrum of the compass together. When they blend together it creates the Model of Human Behavior, as shown in the graphic to the left.
This simple diagram is the fundamental foundation for everything we will talk about as we go a little deeper into DISC. But, keep in mind, it really is this simple.
A Real-Life Example
I mentioned that as a teenager I enjoyed watching other people and observing their behavior. This was not because I wanted to meet them and get to know them. Heaven forbid!
No, no. I watched and observed because I wanted to analyze, learn, and better understand both myself and them. For me, it was not an activity for having opportunities to make connections or build relationships. It was all about learning things and knowing how other people got things done. I wanted to analyze what worked and didn't work for other people. Then, I could make better choices for myself and hopefully do things the right way, not making the mistakes I saw them make.
Had I known about the Model of Human Behavior back then, I would have realized that I was someone who was very comfortable living down in that lower left quadrant - Reserved/Slower-Paced and Task-Oriented.
As I gained more experience in my profession and moved into positions where I supervised and managed others, I found myself bumping into people who didn't focus on work like I did. They would talk and chat and socialize. At first I didn't really understand it. I tolerated it. I pacified it. I even berated it (when it happened with employees I supervised and I didn't think enough work was getting done).
What I didn't do was understand it, respect it, or appreciate it. Because I had not yet been exposed to the DISC Model of Human Behavior I had no concept of the motor and the compass. I had no clue about the D - I - S - C descriptions. I just thought other employees were lazy, or didn't care like I did.
Now, after learning these concepts I not only appreciate what others bring to my life, but I can truly celebrate it! I can celebrate their view of things, their different perspectives, and their ability to help bring balance to home, work, and other spaces I am in.
I can genuinely value how their people-oriented approach to life makes our daily walk on this planet so much better. I have also learned how to pull more of their amazing views, attitudes, and approaches to life out of them and into my relationship with them. It has helped me be more aware of my own blind spots and weaknesses.
Apply What You Have Learned
Let’s get practical and make this important to you. This will only take you about 5 minutes, but it is really important that you do it. You will build off of this in the next 3 lessons. And, it is as simple as reading an imaginary scenario and then coming up with a question.
Start by reading this imaginary scenario:
Imagine the moment you finish reading this lesson you happen to see someone you know. After exchanging pleasant greetings they ask about what you’ve been doing. You tell them you just finished this module about the Model of Human Behavior, which you found interesting, but you have a question about it that you wish you could ask the guy who wrote it. This person you know says, “Oh really? What question is it that you’d like to ask?”
Think of a question you would like to ask about anything you’ve read in this lesson or in the lessons about the motor, or the history of DISC, as if you were responding to your friend.
Now, tell me what question you would ask by giving me that in the answer to the quiz below.