DISC Patterns Explained – Elevated IC Pattern
Individuals that have both Elevated Influence & Compliance factors (and comparatively lower Dominance & Steadiness factors) will generally exhibit these types of tendencies:
Depending upon the actual circumstance, the hallmark of this profile pattern, where influence and compliance are nearly equally highly elevated when compared to the two D&S scores on the chart, is that this individual might exhibit either influencing or compliance related behaviors depending on the factor that governs the situation. On one hand, the highly elevated influence factor means that the individual has a high need for relationships and will seek other people’s approval; and will be flexible in dealing with different people and is more than able to change influencing tactics when required. While on the other hand, due to the high Compliance factor, that same person will need to know what is expected of them, what rules govern them, and how the pieces of the puzzle fit together.
These two factors are constantly competing for the governorship of the individual’s behavior asking questions like: Should I try to make the situation better by persuading them to do the right thing, or should I simply state the rules? Should I set up guidelines on how we should tackle this, or is it best to let everyone do what comes naturally so that they feel comfortable? Questions like these constantly play in the head of a person as the influence and compliance factors constantly compete. As they maneuver through relationships, this can cause significant internal stress as well as external stress on those they interact with as they flip-flop from one to the other.
One person who displays his Elevated I and C factors is Al Gore.
He uses his Elevated C to study and research global warming and other policies for the express purpose of setting rules and guidelines for organizations and government entities to follow. Al understands that compliance is a powerful tool, so he put himself in the position to further his agenda through his role as the Founder and current chair of the Alliance for Climate Protection. He uses his High I to influence others and to speak on the issue of Global Warming and Climate Protection and to convince others of his information.
The two elevated factors, influence and compliance rarely meld together in complete harmony. One will always compete with the other for supremacy.
Because these two factors are so vastly different, they are not easily separated, resulting in the person having to pick one behavioral type over another for every situation. This poses a problem for those that work with the Elevated I & C individual because an Elevated IC’s behavior is not predictable since it is so changeable and so dependent on the situation at hand. For example, when faced with a highly social situation, the high influencing abilities of the person will come to the forefront. When policies and procedures need to be followed, the person will become more compliant, based on the situation. The more trusting and open the environment, the more relaxed and open the person will tend to be. For example, a person with elevated I & C factors will most likely become very friendly and animated in a more social and casual circumstance.
This may change in a closely regulated and formal setting.
The more structured or organizationally constrained the situation, the more the person will try to fit into the rules and expectations, leaving their influential side parked on the sidelines. During a formal situation, this person’s ambition and drive may become more apparent and they will tend to become more blunt and plain speaking. This type of profile does not do well in situations where stress factors are high because they feel the need for everyone to get along and approve of each other, much like their personal need for approval. They may look for group approval rather than a solid solution to conflict when it arises.
Fortunately, this pattern (when it occurs) tends to have the Influence factor slightly higher than Compliance, meaning that the person will try to communicate and influence in a situation rather than simply comply with rules and regulations like that of a robot. Additionally, this type of individual might have learned how to change the rules to their benefit by using their influencing tactics to their full advantage.
Al Gore must use both of his factors in tandem. Although one usually wins out over another in specific situations, he must be able to utilize both to further his career and his goals. As Vice President of the United States, he initially took a back seat to the more outgoing Clinton. However, as time went on, Gore honed his presentation and influencing skills and became one of the most highly paid orators on the speakers’ circuit after leaving public service. Al Gore, contrary to the typical I and C profile, however, does not wait for group approval. Although he does not do anything too extreme, he challenges the status quo and strives to introduce unknown information.
Associated sub-traits: Opposing sub-traits Necessary for adaptation:
I>d – Friendliness D>i – Efficiency
I>s – Enthusiasm S>i – Thoughtfulness
C>d – Cooperativeness D>c – Independence
C>s – Sensitivity S>c – Persistence
Elevated IC Patterns are Motivated by:
People with an Elevated I & C discreetly want and seek the attention of others. They typically need approval from others, especially their superiors. Certainty and knowing the plan is a necessary motivation for their persona. Finding a clear idea of their position and what their job is supposed to accomplish is a highly motivating factor in their lives and work performance.
Elevated I & C’s will strive to discover the expectations of others to know where their expectations lay. People with high I & C tend to need directions and instructions, but often don’t ask for them directly.
Gore’s main goal is to draw attention to his major issues such as Global Warming and Climate Protection. Receiving attention and approval of others furthers his campaign, especially receiving notable awards such as the Nobel Peace Prize and a Grammy Award.
Possible Weaknesses for an Elevated IC Pattern:
I & C’s might have the tendency to display an unwillingness to speak up and challenge the rules. This is especially true if their Compliance factor is higher than their Influence factor. But, as we said before, in most instances, the profiles show that these profiles tend to place I highly than C. If this does occur, it is most certainly a weakness that can make them perceived to be changeable unpredictable and fickle, and in extreme circumstances, even unreliable, depending on the conditions. People will think that the person who behaves in this way simply takes direction on how they should behave by putting his finger in the wind or takes a straw poll before making decisions. As such, they can appear indecisive.
Another person who uses their Elevated I and C is Martha Stewart. She is an American businesswoman, media personality, author, magazine publisher, and the founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. Stewart is very organized, utilizing her Elevated C and promoting her organization in her magazine and shows, fully capitalizing on her Elevated Influence factor. She is the epitome of a brilliant media personality. In this regard, she uses her Elevated Influence to promote and expand her business empire.
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