Self-determination

A team subfactor with high Direction, and low Productivity

Relates to teams that are both Directed and Resourceful

The third and final Subfactor associated with high Direction is Self-determination. This appears where the Directed team also shows low levels of the factor of Productivity (in DISC terms, this corresponds to Resourcefulness). The result is a potentially powerful team, but one that is difficult to manage because of the independent behaviour of many of the members.

'Self-determination' in this sense has two interpretations. First, members themselves look for a means of expressing their own authority and independence within the team. Second, the team as a whole will tend to follow its own path, which does not necessarily correspond to that set out in the team's remit.

These appear to be rather negative aspects, especially in the context of a team, and indeed they can often have such an effect on the team's performance. They do represent, however, a strong capacity for coping with pressure, and an element of self-sufficiency that can often be valuable.