DiSC S style: calm, patient, predictable, deliberate, stable, and consistent

The S style

S stands for Steadiness

People with the DiSC S style personality tend to place an emphasis on cooperating with others within existing circumstances to carry out a task.

“The Peacekeeper”

S styles are motivated by cooperation, opportunities to help, and sincere appreciation. They prioritize giving support, collaborating, and maintaining stability and are often described as calm, patient, predictable, deliberate, stable, and consistent.

Fears: change, loss of stability, offending others, letting people down
Values: loyalty, helping others, security
Overuses: modesty, passive resistance, compromise
Influences others by: accommodation, consistent performance
In conflict: listens to others’ perspectives; keeps their own needs to themselves
Could improve effectiveness through: displaying more self-confidence, revealing their true feelings

DiSC Classic patterns: Specialist, Achiever, Agent, Investigator

S style goals

S styles tend to have goals such as these:

cultivate harmony and stability
strive for team accomplishments
find group acceptance
achieve power through formal roles and positions of authority
maintain status quo and control of the environment

S style challenges

S styles may need to expend more energy to:

quickly adapt to change or unclear expectations
multitask
promote themselves
confront others
overcome indecisiveness
resist over-accommodation

S style in leadership

S-style leaders are natural collaborators who like to reach consensus and create win-win situations. However, they can sometimes be passive and overly trusting, letting others take advantage of their supportive, patient nature.

S styles often display leadership characteristics such as these:

inclusive
humble
affirming

S style quotes

The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the common.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

S style quotes

I like people who are loyal to me, and I like to be loyal, too.

George Strait

S style quotes

Two heads are better than one.

S style quotes

Better safe than sorry.

S style variations

Keep in mind that everyone is a blend of all four DiSC styles: D, i, S, and C. But most people tend strongly toward one or two styles. If your style falls into a border with another style, you probably show traits associated with that style, as well. Thus, S styles often show traits associated with the i and C styles.

The Si style

Si styles tend to be generous, approachable, and compassionate, influencing others by showing empathy and patience.

Traits: collaborative, well-liked, team-spirited, positive, encouraging, conflict-averse, over-extended, approachable, generous, compassionate

Goals: acceptance, close relationships

Fears: being forced to pressure others; facing aggression

Influences others by: showing empathy, being patient

Overuses: kindness, personal connections

In conflict: shows empathy, glosses over problems

Could improve effectiveness through: saying “no” when necessary; addressing issues

Leadership qualities: Si-style leaders tend to be laid back, patient, and supportive of their staff and colleagues. They sometimes have a hard time confronting problems and acknowledging others’ flaws.

The SC style

SC styles tend to be accommodating, patient, and reliable, influencing others through diplomacy and self-control.

Traits: stable, consistent, predictable, accommodating, patient, inflexible, self-controlled, reliable, thoughtful, soft-spoken

Goals: calm environment, fixed objectives, steady progress

Fears: time pressure, uncertainty, chaos

Influences others by: diplomacy, self-control, consistency

Overuses: willingness to let others lead; humility

In conflict: encourages a calm demeanor; retreats from the conflict

Could improve effectiveness through: initiating change, speaking up

Leadership qualities: SC-style leaders can be modest and fair-minded, providing reliable outcomes through steadiness and consistency. They can also be rigid, overly cautious, and afraid to move beyond the status quo.

Communicating with an S style

When communicating with DiSC S-style individuals, be personal and amiable, expressing your interest in them and what you expect from them. Be polite, avoid confrontation, and take time to provide clarification.