Question Asked - why does the DISA behavioural model look at primary behavioural traits rather than a mix like DISC?

Hi J********

The DISA behavioural model focuses on identifying primary behavioural traits—such as Red (Dominant), Yellow (Influential), Green (Steadfast), and Blue (Analytical)—rather than using terms like "High D" or combinations like "Red & Blue" for several key reasons.

These reasons relate to the model's aim to make understanding human behaviour more accessible, practical, and inclusive, particularly in terms of how individuals interact in everyday life.

Here’s why the DISA model emphasizes these primary traits:

1. Simplified Understanding

Practical Terminology: The use of primary colours (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue) makes the model easy to understand for everyone, not just experts. Referring to behaviour as "Red" (Dominant) is more straightforward and intuitive than using technical terms like "High D," which may require further explanation.

Visual and Memorable: The colour system is visually memorable and easy to apply in various contexts. People tend to remember colours and associate behaviours more easily with them, making the model more engaging and relatable.

Inclusive Language: Rather than categorising people into technical sounding or abstract "High D" or "C" profiles, using colours makes the assessment feel more accessible and less clinical.

2. Behaviour Over Personality

Focus on Behaviour: The DISA model is deliberately focused on behaviour rather than fixed personality traits. It recognises that behaviour is flexible and can change depending on the environment or situation. By identifying primary behavioural traits like Red (Dominant), it shows how someone typically behaves rather than labelling their entire personality.

Adaptability: The model allows for adaptability in different contexts. A person may primarily display Red (Dominant) traits in certain situations, but they can also exhibit other traits like Blue (Analytical) depending on the task at hand. This flexibility is better captured by focusing on primary behavioural traits.

3. Primary Colours Reflect Core Behaviour

Dominant Behaviour: The DISA model identifies your primary behaviour—the one that comes most naturally to you or is most frequently exhibited. For example, someone with a primary Red trait (Dominant) is likely to demonstrate decisive, action-oriented behaviour most often. This approach is more nuanced than simply labeling someone with two combined letters like "High D."

Core Identity: By focusing on a primary behavioural colour, the model helps people understand their core tendencies. Instead of feeling like they are split between multiple traits, individuals get a clearer understanding of their primary motivation and how it drives their interactions.

4. Allows for Understanding in Groups and Teams

Group Dynamics: In team settings, using primary behavioural traits allows for a clearer understanding of group dynamics. Knowing that someone is primarily a Red (Dominant) helps teams quickly understand how they might lead or make decisions, without over-complicating the analysis with multiple trait combinations.

Effective Teamwork: The use of primary colours encourages teams to respect and leverage the primary traits of each member. For example, a Yellow (Influential) member will be recognised for their enthusiasm and ability to motivate the team, whereas a Blue (Analytical) member might be relied upon for thorough planning.

5. Easier to Apply in Day-to-Day Situations

Clear Behavioural Cues: The DISA model’s use of primary colours makes it easier to apply in everyday situations, such as in the workplace, in leadership, or even in personal relationships. For example, knowing that someone exhibits primary Red (Dominant) traits allows you to predict their preferences for directness and action without needing to dig into complicated combinations of traits.

Real-World Simplicity: Rather than overwhelming people with complex behavioural combinations, the model provides a simple, actionable understanding. When time is short or decisions need to be made quickly, understanding someone’s primary behaviour is a practical tool for effective communication and conflict resolution.

6. Behaviour Changes Over Time

Dynamic Nature of Behaviour: Human behaviour is fluid and can evolve over time. Focusing on a person’s primary behavioural trait at a given moment allows room for that individual to develop and shift as they grow. For instance, someone primarily exhibiting Red (Dominant) traits in a fast-paced, decision-making environment may lean more towards Blue (Analytical) traits in situations requiring attention to detail.

Less Labeling, More Flexibility: The emphasis on primary traits acknowledges that people are not fixed in one behaviour type. Unlike static personality labels, the focus on primary behavioural colours allows people to recognise their strengths and adapt when necessary.

7. Encourages Positive Development

Self-Awareness and Growth: By focusing on primary traits, the DISA model encourages individuals to use their self-awareness as a starting point for personal development. Knowing that someone has a dominant Red behaviour doesn’t lock them into always being decisive or assertive; rather, it gives them the opportunity to reflect on when to use that trait and when to adapt to other situations, such as employing a more patient, Green (Steadfast) approach when needed.

Tailored Growth: Rather than overwhelming someone with the complexity of multiple behavioural traits, focusing on the primary trait allows for specific, targeted growth. For instance, if a person’s primary trait is Yellow (Influential), they can focus on balancing their enthusiasm with attention to detail (a Blue trait).

8. Reduces Stereotyping

Avoids Overgeneralisation: While some models may label people as being a combination of letters or traits, the DISA model’s focus on primary behaviours avoids oversimplification. Instead of saying someone is purely a “High D” or “Red & Blue,” it recognises that individuals may display different behaviours in different contexts. This helps to avoid pigeonholing someone based on a single behaviour or label.

Behavioural Context: By using primary traits, the model takes into account the behavioural context of a person. A primarily Blue (Analytical) person may behave differently in a social setting versus at work, and the model leaves space for these nuances rather than boxing someone into a single category.

The DISA behavioural model uses primary colours (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue) instead of terms like "High D" or combinations such as "Red & Blue" because it simplifies understanding, focuses on flexible behaviour over fixed personality traits, and allows for clearer communication in both personal and professional contexts. This approach makes it easier for people to identify their core tendencies, apply these insights in everyday interactions, and grow in self-awareness without being locked into static labels. The emphasis on primary traits gives people a practical and adaptable tool for improving communication, teamwork, and personal growth.