How The Disc Personality Test Can Transform Both Your Work And Family Life

| Friday, January 24, 2014
By Judy Sullivan


The DISC personality test can be a powerful tool for understanding both ourselves and others. Based on a theory devised by William Moulton Marston, it reveals core characteristics that drive our thinking and behaviour. By using this methodology, we can understand ourselves and others better and so enjoy much better work and family lives.

DISC theory holds that each one of us exhibits one of four personal styles. The four styles are Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness. We are each a unique blend of the four styles, but will generally have a dominant style that is supported by a secondary style, a tertiary style and an inferior style. Some of us may have an absent style. The following is a brief thumbnail sketch of each style.

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.

Influence style folks are enthusiastic doers who value social recognition and collaboration. They are often described as charismatic, warm, optimistic and fun to be around. Although often highly competent, they can be disorganised and can have trouble following through once their initial enthusiasm has waned. To get along with an 'I', be positive, a team player and don't overwhelm them with too many details.

Co-operative and good-natured, those with the Steadiness style are amiable and dependable. They like stable environments where there are firm rules and where they will be appreciated. They dislike aggression and discord, and get along best with those who share their friendly outlook. On the downside, their traditionalist orientation can make them resistant to change, and their good nature can lead them to be over-accommodating.

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.

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.

For those in managerial positions, using the DISC personality test enables them to organise their teams/departments much more effectively. They are much better able to match people to the positions or tasks that suit them best. This can lead to great improvements in morale and productivity. Even those with a more casual interest in the four styles can learn to understand others better and greatly improve their daily interactions.




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