Understanding the Motor in the DISC Model of Human Behavior
There are two main concepts in the DISC Model of Human Behavior. The first is what we call the “motor”. You can think of it like the speed of an engine running inside of each of us and driving our behaviors.
For example, you may have noticed that some people seem to have an engine that is almost always running at high speed. They make quick decisions. They might miss details and important information because they are so quick to act.
Or, you may have seen other people who work and act like the engine is tuned down to a slower speed. They are thoughtful and ask a lot of questions. They take their time and hesitate before taking action. They might even hesitate too long and miss out on something important because they did not act quickly enough.
Everyone is somewhere on this “energy continuum.” Some are at the high end of the spectrum and would be considered as very outgoing and operating at a faster pace. Some are more toward the middle and move at a moderate pace. While still others are at the low end of the spectrum and would be considered as very reserved and operating at a lower pace.
It would look something like this graphic:
That’s it. That's the motor.
It may seem too easy. You might be thinking, "Is this all there is? How can this be all that powerful and useful?"
Hang on. We're building the pieces slowly and simply. (I'll also add that fundamentally, DISC really is simple, but in its simplicity there is tremendous value.)
Before moving on to learn about the second of Marston's two concepts, take a moment and complete this 1-question Quiz. Then, click the "Mark lesson complete" button.