24 Years' Experience in Profiling
Established in 1994, we specialise in personality profiling, competency based skills, business development training and consultancy. We have delivered over 3,000 sales and management courses in the last 24 years and also specialise in body language consultancy, training and analysis. We have developed a structured training programme to aid companies face the challenges of todays market.
Personality Profiling
Whilst it is true that everyone is an individual with a delicate mix of different parts, it is also true to say we all have elements of the four main personality traits. The strongest side of our personality dictates what we are like, how we think and how we are likely to react in a given situation. Understanding this enables us to get the best out of the situation ourselves. The mistake we all make is in thinking that what motivates us should also motivate others. If it doesn't we sell, cajole or push people into seeing it from our point of view. This is often why the "Boss" is thought of as arrogant, inconsiderate or just a poor manager.
The History of DISC Profiling
DISC is the four quadrant behavioural model based on
the work of William Moulton Marston PhD (1893 - 1947)
to examine the behaviour of individuals in their
environment or within a specific situation (otherwise
known as environment). It therefore focuses on the
styles and preferences of such behaviour.
Marston graduated from doctoral studies at Harvard in
the newly developing field of psychology and was also
a consulting psychologist, researcher, and author or
co-author of five books. His works were showcased in
Emotions of Normal People in 1928. among others.
In 1948, Walter V. Clarke established his new business, Walter V. Clarke and Associates, to utilize the years of development and research he had undertaken after listening to a lecture at Harvard by Prescott Leckey which postulated that it was possible with a high degree of accuracy to determine and predict the long term behaviour of an individual based upon a set of questions. Working with Marston, he was able to name four vectors of behaviour, namely Assertiveness, Sociability,
Tranquillity, and Dependence, and the means to
identify the relative propensity of individuals to
behave according to these predictive scales.
This system of dimensions of observable behaviour has
become known as the universal language of behaviour.
Research has found that characteristics of behaviour
can be grouped into these four major "personality
styles" and they tend to exhibit specific
characteristics common to that particular style. All
individuals possess all four, but what differs from
one to another is the extent of each.
For most, these types are seen in shades of grey
rather than black or white, and within that, there is
an interplay of behaviours, otherwise known as blends.
The denotation of such blends starts with the primary
(or stronger) type, followed by the secondary (or
lesser) type, although all contribute more than just
purely the strength of that "signal".
Having understood the differences between these
blends makes it possible to integrate individual team
members with less troubleshooting. In a typical team,
there are varying degrees of compatibility, not just
toward tasks but interpersonal relationships as well.
However, when they are identified, energy can be
spent on refining the results.
Each of these types has its own unique value to the
team, ideal environment, general characteristics,
what the individual is motivated by, and value to
team.
DISC is also used in an assortment of areas, including by many companies, HR professionals, organizations, consultants, coaches and trainers.
The assessments classify four aspects of behaviour by
testing a person's preferences in word associations.
DISC is
an acronym for:
Dominance – relating to control, power and assertiveness. Infl uence – relating to social situations and communication. Steadiness – relating to patience, persistence, thoughtfulness. Compliance – relating to structure and organization.
Dominance:-
Relates to control, power and
assertiveness
Influence:-
Relates to social situations and
communication
Steadiness:-
Relates to patience, persistence, and thoughtfulness
Compliance:-
Relates to structure and organization
Assessment
Marston's original questionnaires contained 24
questions, which has not altered much since. The
questions will either make a statement and give
adjectives to choose from and then ask you to select
from four possible responses the one that is most like
you and the one that is least like you. There are no
wrong answers to the questionnaire since it is an
inventory of your opinion about your responses to
situations.
Profile
The results of the completed questionnaires are tabulated to determine a number for each of the four personality traits of dominance, influence, steadiness and compliance. You can use the profile to learn more about how you interact with others and how others influence you. Higher and lower numbers are not indications of weakness or strength but rather an indication of your natural tendencies. Most DISC reports include a narrative description of the results that can provide insight in why you do things the way you do. Teams will often compare DISC profiles with each other so that members learn how best to interact with each other. Business has found that certain personality traits are needed to best perform particular functions. Daring leaders often have a high D rating while great team players often have a lower D rating. This could be significant when forming a team. A great team player might not be the best choice for leading the team.
Environment
The environment that the questions are asked in may make a difference in the outcome. Some people are more dominant in a work environment and less so at home. Others might be strong influencers at home and less so in external groups. Some modern DISC assessments try to identify the specific environment by stating the phrases in terms of work, leisure and home life.
Summary
The DISC assessment has been used for many years and provides a method to examine your personality and reveal traits that may be hidden from you. By sharing your DISC profile with others you can help them to better understand how to interact with you.