Behavioural Styles: DISC Assessment

Interestingly, the origins of behavioural styles go back to Ezekiel in 590 BC who described the style as Lion, Ox, Man and Eagle. Then Hippocrates in 370 BC and Galen in 190 AD gave their versions. Also, Meyers in 1950 and Keirsey in 1998 adapted the concept to modern concerns.

But it was William Moulton Marston who, in 1928, published the findings that were the basis of the DISC Assessment. He was an accomplished man who was not only a lawyer and a physiological psychologist; he also produced the first functional lie detector polygraph, authored self-help books and created the Wonder Woman comic.

“Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength, mastering yourself is true power.”
– Lao Tzu

Research shows that the most successful people share the common trait of self-awareness. They recognize the situations that will make them successful, and this makes it easy for them to find ways of achieving objectives that fit their behavioural style. They also understand their limitations and where they are not effective and this helps them understand where not to go or how not to be as well. Those who understand their natural behavioural preferences are far more likely to pursue the right opportunities, in the right way, at the right time, and get the results they desire.

Let’s explore the four behavioural styles (D-I-S-C) and how to work most effectively with each one.

«D» stands for Dominant or Driver.

These people are forceful and strong-willed. They do not show or share personal feelings or emotions. They have a desire to initiate, control and serve as one’s own motivator. They are efficient, hardworking and result-oriented. They are also direct and to the point when working with others.

Their strengths are take charge, quick to act, like challenge, make things happen, take responsibility, get things done. Dominant-Drivers are generally productive.

To work most efficiently with them, keep the relationship business-like, stick to «what, why, when» and agree or disagree with their position, not their personality. Be prepared to show how your ideas can get the results they are seeking.

«I» stands for Inducer or Influencer

These people are excitable, fun-loving and talkative. They are people-oriented and like an audience and applause. Recognition is a cherished reward for their accomplishments. They are achievement-oriented, risk-takers, competitive and spirited. They are also futuristic, creative and inspirational.

Their strengths are to create motivation in others, make them feel comfortable, enthusiastic and uninhibited about sharing dreams. Inducer-Influencers are generally assertive.

To work most efficiently with them, socialize first, talk about their interests, ask questions about their ideas, explore possible solutions, summarize information in writing, ask for their opinions, if you agree with them work out the details, if you disagree avoid arguing.

«S» stands for Submissive or Steady

These people are technically oriented, seek structure, certainty and evidence before making decisions, quiet, unassuming, show little emotion when dealing with others, take little social initiative, remain guarded until a strong relationship has been founded, interested in discovering and solving problems.

Their strengths are logic, practicality, using existing ideas before moving on to new ones, thorough, conservative, and cautious. Submissive-Steady are generally perfectionist.

To work most efficiently with them, be organized and well-documented, be specific and don’t oversell, take your time and be persistent, don’t implement quickly, don’t make promises you cannot keep, define responsibilities, and present your case softly.

«C» stands for Compliant or Cautious

These people are happy to abide by the rules, like structure, accepting of others, have a high priority to get along, quiet, cooperative, supportive, easy to get to know, easy to work with, tend to minimize interpersonal conflict whenever possible, exacting, neat, systematic, diplomatic, accurate, tactful.

Their strengths are giving advice and counsel, deep sense of loyalty, communicate a great deal of trust and confidence in other people. Compliant-Cautious are generally coaches.

To work most efficiently with them, spend time dealing with their personal situations, be organized and well-prepared, establish a cooperative effort with them, be realistic about the accomplishment, be patient, listen to them, draw out their personal goals.

You have certainly found yourself in one or two categories. And you have maybe also found the behavioural style of your family members, friends and co-workers. Use this knowledge to create better relationships in your personal and professional life. This is a tried and tested method you can truly rely on to raise the quality of your life and the lives of those around you.

I invite you to visit this page of our website to read the «Member Profile» and find out what we have noticed over the years as being a good personality fit with our business. And you can now do the same exercise for your business too.

For more in depth and detailed information, Phoenix Alliance offers a FREE specialized «How to attain peak performance from all four behaviour styles» seminar to its registered members.

Interesting outside link: « DISC Personality Test »