Situational DISC – A Flexible, Context-Based Extension of DISC
Situational DISC is designed for those who value the established clarity of the DISC model but require greater flexibility and contextual application. By combining the structure of DISC with the normative methodology of HOW Index®, Situational DISC moves beyond static categories of “basic” and “adapted” behaviour and instead illustrates how behaviour changes across different real-world contexts.
Why Situational Behaviour Matters
The assessment uses a normative questionnaire in which respondents answer questions linked to specific, predefined situations. This provides a more nuanced understanding of behaviour, making it possible to identify, interpret and compare behavioural shifts across settings.
Situational DISC builds on the HOW Index® six-factor behavioural model, a scientifically grounded framework using normative scales designed to capture not only how people behave, but also why and when behaviour changes.
Understanding situationally adapted behaviour enables recognition of how actions and reactions shift across contexts. It also helps individuals adjust their responses, thereby supporting stronger relationships, clearer communication and more resilient teams and organisations.
Benefits of Using Situational DISC
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Offers insights into self-awareness, interpersonal understanding and communication in both professional and personal contexts.
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Uses the established colour-based DISC framework for clarity and communication.
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Enhances collaboration and awareness of behavioural processes within teams.
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Allows the selection of different situations for tailored, context-specific reports.
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Uses a normative format, making results measurable and comparable between individuals, teams and organisations.
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Real-time reliability – supported by an online system that continuously calculates Cronbach’s Alpha, ensuring ongoing precision and scientific robustness.
Commonly applied in individual coaching and team development.
Increases awareness of behavioural differences, leading to improved interaction and efficiency.
Valuable in contexts involving communication, collaboration and self-reflection.
See a sample report here -
To see full report, contact us for more information and access to more material.
Standard DISC vs. Situational DISC
Standard DISC remains a widely used self-reflective assessment for personal growth and communication. For those requiring the same familiar framework but with added contextual flexibility and comparability, Situational DISC provides an expanded alternative.
Behavioural style assessments are based on self-evaluation and are not personality tests.
DISC is an ipsative assessment that highlights only basic and adapted behaviours.
Situational DISC is a normative assessment, meaning it can measure behaviour in specific situations and compare results with broader reference groups – making them more flexible and dynamic.
DISC
Situational DISC
Measurement
Behavioural view
Flexibility
Best suited for
Comparability
Report style
Ipsative – compares the individual with themselves
Shows two fixed states: basic and adapted behaviour
Limited – static behavioural overview
Personal reflection, communication and self-awareness
Cannot be compared between people
Uses colour-based language
Normative – results can be compared across individuals, teams and groups
Shows two fixed states: basic and adapted behaviour
High – tailored to chosen contexts (e.g. colleagues, manager, conflict, customers)
Professional use in coaching, recruitment, leadership and team development
Fully comparable across individuals, teams and organisations
Enriched with situational contexts and normative precision using colour language