2. As a tool for understanding ourselves and others, the
DISC personality test is widely regarded as one of the
most useful available. It is based upon the theories of
William Moulton Marston and reveals the basic
characteristics that shape our thinking and behaviour. By
using the test, we can learn a tremendous amount about
ourselves and the people we associate with, and greatly
improve our career and home lives.
3. At the heart of DISC theory is the concept of the four
styles. They are Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and
Conscientiousness. Rather than being strictly one style,
each of us is a unique mix of the four, but will usually
have one dominant style. This is supported by a
secondary one, a tertiary one and an inferior one.
Following below is a short overview of the four styles.
4. Those with the Dominant style are highly competitive
action-takers. They are bold risk-takers who place a lot
of value on winning and being successful. Those around
them may describe them as having a strong personality,
fast-paced and forceful. They tend to be impatient and
can be scornful of those they see as weak. To get on with
this type, one's communication should be direct and to-the-
point. Stand up to them and be solution-orientated.
5. Influencers are also doers, but they are much easier to
get along with. They are positive, enthusiastic and enjoy
collaborating with others. They value social recognition
and are often described as gregarious, charming,
persuasive and fun to be with. Despite their can-do and
competence, they can be disorganised and sometimes
struggle to follow through with projects. To get on with
an influencer, be a positive team player, don't be too
serious, and spare them from too many details.
6. Those of the Steadiness style are good-natured co-operators
who seek harmony with others. They favor a
stable environment where they help others and feel
appreciated. On the negative side, they can be indecisive
and over-accommodating, and can resist change. To get
on with an S-type, be co-operative, amiable, avoid
displays of aggression and show appreciation.
7. Analytical and independent-minded, those with the
Conscientiousness style are focused and detail-orientated.
Often highly intelligent, they place great
value on competence and accuracy. Those who know
them may describe them as diplomatic, careful and
thorough. Their love of competence can lead them to be
critical, and they can over-analyze when they should be
taking action. To get on with this type, be factual rather
than emotional, and be patient with them.
8. It's clear that each style is very distinct, and these
differences reveal why there is so much conflict and
misunderstanding in everyday life. These inter-personal
challenges are made less problematic when one has a
deeper understanding of others, and oneself. Knowledge
of DISC can make communication with other people,
and getting along with them, vastly easier. It also reveals
why people can behave the way they do, and thus make
their behaviours much less puzzling.
9. For bosses and managers, the DISC personality test is a
way to get into the minds of employees and deploy
them in projects that make the most of their strengths.
This can often massively improve morale and
productivity. On a non-professional level, having
knowledge of the DISC style can help us navigate the
sometimes choppy waters of our family and personal
lives with much greater poise.