DCNH basics

I’ll describe a subtype system known as DCNH, because it’s easy to spot in people.

There are 3 dichotomies:

1. Contacting/distancing

Contacting types confront stressors head on.
Distancing types move away from stressors, and respond only after much forethought.

2. Initiating/terminating

Initiating types are driven by interest. They are very good at starting new things, and less good at finishing them.
Terminating types are driven by completion. They are less good at starting new things, and very good at finishing them.

3. Ignoring/connecting

Ignoring types screen out what’s in the environment to do what they want. But they might miss out important signals from the environment.
Connecting types are sensitive to the environment. But often they pick up on things even when they don’t want to.

Combinations of these dichotomies result in 4 subtypes. A person’s subtype is apparent when they interact in a small group.

• Dominant: contacting, terminating, connecting

Dominant types are leaders. They are ambitious and goal-oriented, and drive the group to be productive. They are sensitive to what people are doing, and apply pressure on the right people to get things done.

More balanced dominants inspire people to pursue a larger goal (rather than only pressuring them with deadlines and coercion).

• Creative: contacting, initiating, ignoring

Creative types are always interesting. They come up with novel ideas and pursue them no matter what others’ opinions are. They are often entertaining, able to joke and pique others’ interest in their latest pursuit.

More balanced creatives use force to defend their individuality against opposition.

• Normalising: distancing, terminating, ignoring

Normalising types are analytical. To understand the logic of an issue, they pull apart small but important distinctions. They maintain their focus by creating familiar physical spaces, where they disregard surrounding distractions.

More balanced normalisers are patient and able to smooth out interpersonal conflicts to continue working on their problems.

• Harmonising: distancing, initiating, connecting

Harmonising types are amicable. They are in touch with deeper issues that others miss out on, be it in the group or in humanity. They adapt their intentions to the people and situation, and they often are good confidants and advisers.

More balanced harmonisers create a comfortable environment, which lets people tune in to the deeper issues.

Each person can have more than one subtype, but I won’t go into that. I’ve written enough!