To understand DiSC better, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. In 1928, psychologist William Moulton Marston introduced the DiSC model in his book "Emotions of Normal People." He believed that human behavior could be categorized based on how individuals perceive themselves and interact with their surroundings. Marston's original model included four categories: Dominance, Inducement, Submission, and Compliance, although the names have evolved slightly over time. 

 

 

Fun fact: Marston wasn't just a pioneer in personality theory; he also invented an early lie detector and created the iconic Wonder Woman character. Talk about a Renaissance man! 

 

 

The first DiSC assessment, developed by industrial psychologist Walter Clarke in 1956, laid the foundation for the modern DISC assessment used by millions worldwide today. 

 

 

 

So, how does the DiSC assessment work? It's simple but insightful. Participants respond to a questionnaire by selecting statements that most and least resonate with them. These choices unveil their primary behavioral style, falling into one of the four main categories: 

 

Dominance: These folks are competitive and ambitious, shaping their environment to achieve success. 

Influence: Energetic and optimistic, they excel at motivating and negotiating. 

Steadiness: Stable and dependable team players who are excellent listeners. 

Compliance: Meticulous and logical individuals who value accuracy and research. 

Remember, many people embody a mix of these profiles, so you might find yourself straddling two categories. 

 

Now, Let's Bust Some Myths! 

 

 

 

Fact: Personality assessments, including DiSC, are equally valuable for current employees. 

 

It's a common misconception that personality assessments are solely reserved for job applicants. In truth, DiSC profiling is immensely beneficial for existing teams. It helps managers and coworkers understand how to collaborate effectively, communicate, and resolve conflicts. It's particularly valuable for leaders and those with growth potential, fostering improved communication and leadership skills. Investing in your current employees' personal and career growth can lead to a workplace where self-knowledge and coaching thrive. 

 

Plus, it's more cost-effective than assessing hundreds of job applicants for a single role! 

 

 

 

Fact: There's a range of DiSC assessments, and they're not all created equal. 

 

Contrary to popular belief, there isn't just one version of the DiSC personality assessment. While they're all rooted in Marston's theories and utilise similar questionnaires, variations exist. 

 

When considering DiSC for your organisation, explore different vendors and their assessment types. Terminology and formulae can differ, so it's vital to research before selecting a DiSC assessor. 

 

 

 

Fact: DiSC assessments are highly reliable. 

 

With an abundance of unscientific personality tests in the market, it's understandable why people question the reliability of personality assessments, including DiSC. However, studies from Scandinavia and Russia have shown that DiSC is highly reliable. Individuals consistently receive the same results, demonstrating its trustworthiness. 

 

 

 

Fact: DiSC can significantly impact your bottom line. 

 

Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution are challenging to quantify, leading many to wonder if DiSC profiling is worth the cost. But consider metrics like employee engagement, retention, and productivity. When team members understand their personalities and those of their peers, it unlocks their potential for better workplace relationships and interactions. The impact on your business can be substantial.  

 

 

 

Fact: DiSC and Myers-Briggs differ significantly. 

 

Though both are popular personality assessments, DiSC and Myers-Briggs couldn't be more distinct. While DiSC focuses on four main categories, Myers-Briggs offers 16 different personality types, making it complex for workplace profiling. DiSC's simplicity and intuitiveness make it a better fit for workplace applications. 

 

 

 

Fact: Leadership effectiveness depends on the individual, not their DiSC type. 

 

It's a common belief that Dominance types are superior leaders due to their ambition and competitiveness. However, leadership prowess isn't limited to one profile. Each DiSC type brings unique strengths and weaknesses to leadership roles. Influence types excel at motivating and positivity but may struggle with details. Steadiness types are patient and supportive but may shy away from taking risks. Compliance types are meticulous and effective problem-solvers but may need to improve interpersonal skills. 

 

 

 

With these myths dispelled, you're now better equipped to navigate the world of DiSC profiling and personality assessments. If you're considering using DiSC to enhance your team's potential, don't hesitate to get in touch or explore our Behaviour Assessments page. Unlock the power of self-awareness and team cohesion to achieve greatness in your workplace.