The DiSC model—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—shapes how we engage with democracy or allow authoritarianism to grow. History shows how each style has been used to uplift or suppress freedom. Leadership, influence, and action determine our role in shaping the future. Understanding our tendencies allows us to step into our power and make democracy a daily, joyful practice. How will you show up?
The Battle Within
Fascism and democracy are not just political systems; they shape how we behave, lead, and respond to power. The DiSC model—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness—offers insight into how individuals and institutions uphold democratic values or enable authoritarian control.
In America, fascism and democracy coexist, not as distant ideologies but as everyday choices. The same leadership that fuels movements for justice can also reinforce oppression. The same need for stability that sustains communities can also create passive compliance.
As H. Rap Brown said, “Violence is as American as cherry pie.” The same is true of American Fascism and Democracy—they have always coexisted, shaping the nation’s identity.
The DiSC Styles in Action
Throughout history, these behavioral styles have defined key moments in American democracy and authoritarianism:
Dominance (D): Franklin D. Roosevelt’s decisive leadership during the Great Depression and World War II saved democracy, while Richard Nixon’s abuse of executive power undermined it.
Influence (i): Martin Luther King Jr. used persuasion to mobilize the Civil Rights Movement, whereas Joseph McCarthy weaponized fear to spread propaganda.
Steadiness (S): Many Americans quietly upheld Jim Crow, fearing instability, while others worked behind the scenes to sustain movements for justice.
Conscientiousness (C): The Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling used legal integrity to challenge segregation, while courts under Jim Crow enforced racist laws without question.
Fascism weaponizes all styles: D for authoritarian rule, i for propaganda, S for passive compliance, and C for bureaucratic enforcement.
Democracy, on the other hand, requires a balance: strong but just leadership, persuasion that mobilizes rather than manipulates, stability that nurtures rather than suppresses, and integrity that upholds fairness rather than enforcing oppression.
A Personal Reflection on DiSC and Power
As a DiSC consultant, I’ve worked with leaders who navigate these tensions. One high-D executive struggled to balance authority and democratic engagement, instinctively leaning toward control. Recognizing this, they began empowering their team instead.
Meanwhile, an S-style leader resisted challenging injustice within their organization for fear of disrupting harmony. Once they saw their role in passive compliance, they found the courage to push for change.
Understanding behavioral styles isn’t just about workplace dynamics—it’s about recognizing how we contribute to either justice or oppression in all aspects of life.
Reclaiming Agency: A Meditativist Approach
Fascism thrives when individuals submit without questioning their behavioral defaults. Democracy requires a balance of all styles—boldness to resist oppression, influence to mobilize, steadiness for long-term justice, and conscientiousness for accountability.
A Three-Step Reflection:
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- Identify Your Default Style. How do you engage with power and resistance?
- Investigate Your Internalized Response to Fascism. Are you resisting or complying?
- Work With Opposites. How can you integrate other styles to strengthen democracy?
Democracy is not a given—it is a daily practice. Our choices in leadership, interactions, silence, or resistance determine whether we uphold or let it erode.
See the Appendix to ensure your DiSC behavior works for you and towards building democracy.
Appendix: DiSC Behaviors in Fascism & Democracy – A Meditativist Inquiry
DiSC behaviors shape how people engage with power and control. Fascism and democracy exist not only in governments but also in daily interactions. Some seek control. Others value participation. Some fear disruption. Others embrace change.
Fascism enforces rigidity, suppression, and obedience. Democracy fosters dialogue, engagement, and shared power. This table explores how DiSC behaviors operate under each system. The goal is awareness and agency—not just in political structures but in how we move through the world.
DiSC Behaviors Under Fascism & Democracy
| DiSC Behavior | Fascism (Control & Suppression) | Democracy (Agency & Participation) |
|---|---|---|
| Dominance (D) | – Imposes hierarchy.- Seeks total control.- Suppresses opposition.- Demands unquestioned authority. | – Leads with fairness.- Encourages debate.- Shares decision-making.- Supports accountability. |
| Influence (i) | – Uses propaganda.- Restricts free speech.- Creates social pressure.- Controls narratives. | – Values open dialogue.- Welcomes diverse views.- Builds trust through transparency.- Engages communities. |
| Steadiness (S) | – Demands total loyalty.- Fears change.- Reinforces strict norms.- Prioritizes stability over growth. | – Builds cooperation.- Supports ethical responsibility.- Encourages steady reform.- Creates space for all voices. |
| Conscientiousness (C) | – Enforces order through bureaucracy.- Uses fear-based compliance.- Suppresses independent thought.- Punishes dissent. | – Designs fair systems.- Ensures accountability.- Values evidence-based decisions.- Encourages ethical questioning. |
Reclaiming Agency Through Applied Meditativism
Where does control show up in your behavior? Do you default to hierarchy or collaboration? Do you seek certainty or embrace complexity? Every moment offers a choice to uphold suppression or foster participation.
Meditativism trains awareness of power within and around us. Oppression and liberation are not abstract—they manifest in tone, actions, and reactions. Understanding these dynamics sharpens emotional agency and deepens conscious engagement.
Reflection Prompts:
- Where do I reinforce control?
- How do I support democratic engagement in my relationships?
- What practices help me challenge oppressive tendencies in myself and others?
Final Note
Meditation is not escape; it is clarity. DiSC reveals behavioral tendencies, but Meditativism applies them to real-world agency. Awareness fuels change, and participation is resistance.
This appendix extends the core DiSC discussion, bridging insight and action. Every moment is an opportunity to shift from unconscious patterns to intentional engagement.
Take the Next Step in Your DiSC Journey
Ready to discover how DiSC® can help you embrace life’s wonders and foster deeper connections?
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- Option 1: For $90, you can purchase your personalized DiSC assessment for $90 to uncover your unique style and transform your understanding of self and others.
- Option 2: For only $190, you can maximize your results with a DiSC assessment PLUS a 45-minute consultation with me. Together, we’ll explore your results and craft actionable strategies tailored to your goals.
Spaces are limited, so act now to secure your spot!
Contact me at info@paigeandassociates.com to get started.
About Me: Jerome S. Paige, The Meditativist
I am Jerome S. Paige, The Meditativist—a writer, thinker, and guide dedicated to helping individuals and teams explore the depth of their behaviors and connections. Through tools like the DiSC framework, I foster reflection and intentionality to align actions with life’s greater purpose. Together, we can unlock potential, embrace awe, and create a more purposeful and harmonious world.
My Consulting Practice:
- Empowering Individuals & Organizations Through DiSC, Trust, and Adaptability
- Making Your Work & Other Behaviors Work For You
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