DiSC and The Law of Requisite Variety

My client, Jack, is a busy manager who recently took the DiSC assessment as part of his coaching program. He liked the DiSC Model and said that he learned a lot about what makes people tick, but asked, “So what do I do with it now? Why should I put any more effort into applying it?”

How about this – More Power!

Do you want to be in control of your interactions with others? Here’s a way to do just that!


There is a body of knowledge called Neuro-Linguistic Programming -- also known as NLP and Neurolinguistics. NLP studies the structure of how humans think and experience the world, and is based on the presupposition that all behavior has a structure which can be modeled, learned, taught, and changed (re-programmed).

One principle of NLP applies well to how we use the DiSC model. The Law of Requisite Variety states that the one with the most flexibility of behavior will control the entire system, including communication. Have you ever noticed a child in the grocery store asking for cookies, candy, toys, etc.? If one behavior and request doesn’t do the job, he will try many other behaviors with lots of flexibility = controlling mom and getting the result.

“So just by adjusting to the other person’s preferences, I get to be in charge?” Jack asked. Right -- Two simple comparisons will help you to adjust your communication style to that of the other person.

1. Are they Direct/outgoing or are they Reserved?

2. Are they more Task-oriented or more People-oriented?

From those two observations, you can narrow their style to 

• Dominant = Direct, Task-oriented; 
• Influential = Direct, People-oriented; 
• Steady = Reserved, People-oriented; 
• Compliant = Reserved, Task-oriented. 

By starting your interaction where THEY are, you establish rapport, eliminate barriers/walls, and build a relationship that supports getting to a desired result. My challenge to you is that you become a Master of The Law of Requisite Variety.

Take Charge -- Get Moving!

Love and light,

Diane