Everyone is not like you! That's right. Even identical twins have differences - especially in behaviors. Ever wonder what your behaviors say about your individual or team leadership, communication or overall performance? Through Enhanced DNA: Develop Nurture and Achieve, we use the DISC Behavioral Assessment to help individuals and teams understand what their behaviors mean and how to improve their leadership DNA, communication DNA and performance DNA. The DISC assessment will help you learn how to adjust your behaviors and appreciate the behavioral styles of others.
So, what is DISC? The DISC model of behavior was first identified by psychologist William Marston in his book, “Emotions of Normal People” where he describes his theory that behaviors can be categorized into types or styles. The four DISC behavior styles were originally identified as Dominance, Inducement, Submission and Compliance. Marston believed that if you understood your primary behavioral styles, you would be able to better manage your experiences and relationships with others.
Over the decades since the original model was discovered, several assessments using Marsten’s theories were developed. Some consider the DISC assessment as a Personality assessment, others view it as a Behavioral assessment. Our view is that “Personality is who we are while behavior is what we do”, and therefore, we believe that the DISC is assessing behaviors and not your personality.
Today’s modern DISC is essentially a four quadrant model which measures the degree of dominance, interaction, stability and cautiousness. The DISC is used most frequently to help teams work more effectively with each other by having individuals answer questions about a series of behavior-related statements to understand not only their own behavioral style but the styles of others.
Let’s look at each component of DISC:
D – Decisive
Do you have anything in common with Darth Vader from “Star Wars”, Buzz Lightyear from “Toy Story”, or Kent Brockman from “The Simpsons”?
People with the “D” Behavioral style tends to be direct and decisive. They generally exhibit behaviors that are dominant, they have high self confidence, are risk-takers and are strong problem solvers. They also prefer to lead rather than follow and tend to focus on results. Does this sound like you? If this sounds like you, you might have a High D Behavioral Style!
I – Interactive
Do you have anything in common with Hans Solo from “Star Wars”, Woody from “Toy Story”, or Homer from “The Simpsons”? If you do, you might have a High I Behavioral Style!
People with the “I” Behavioral style tend to be interactive and very social. They generally exhibit behaviors that are talkative, optimistic, inspiring, and are very fun to be around. They tend to keep conversations fun and are often the life of the party. Does this sound like you? If this sounds like you, you might have a High I Behavioral Style!
S – Stability
Do you have anything in common with Luke Skywalker from “Star Wars”, Rex the Dinosaur from “Toy Story”, or Marge from “The Simpsons”? If you do, you might have a High S Behavioral Style!
People with the “S” Behavioral style tend to be stable, loyal, reliable and really good listeners. They generally exhibit behaviors that are steady and sometimes submissive. They tend to avoid confrontation and are great mediators. They tend to be steady, pace themselves and are very patient. If this sounds like you, you might have a High S Behavioral Style!
C – Cautious
Do you have anything in common with C3P0 from “Star Wars”, Mrs. Potato Head from “Toy Story”, or Lisa from “The Simpsons”? If you do, you might have a High C Behavioral Style!
People with the “C” Behavioral style tend to be focused on compliance and rules. They generally exhibit behaviors that are organized and structured and are often analytical. They tend to work well with a schedule, prefer to work alone and are often quiet and reserved. Does this sound like you? If this sounds like you, you might have a High C Behavioral Style!
Want to see what a DISC assessment is like? Contact us for your own DISC assessment.