Do You DiSC?
Are you looking to increase the effectiveness of your team? Do you want to encourage more productive conflict in the workplace? Are you ready to groom the next batch of leaders in your organization? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the Everything DiSC assessment may be for you.
Based on the early twentieth century research of psychologist William Moulton Marston, the DiSC profile assessment is a widely-used (and well-researched) behavioral self-assessment that allows individuals to learn where they fall across the four most common personality dimensions: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. After taking the assessment, participants receive customized reports that show their primary personality-type, as well as secondary characteristics.
Why DiSC Helps
The DiSC assessment comes with a host of benefits to leaders, not to mention organizations. Perhaps the most obvious is that people who know their DiSC profile are more self-aware, and thus more empathetic to others and better able to manage their emotions in the workplace.
Equally importantly, when a manager has their team’s DiSC profiles in hand, it improves their ability to authentically support their team. Being conscious of personality types, managers can more effectively create teams and assign work, identify potential new leaders, and motivate their staff.
Understanding DiSC is particularly helpful to people working in sales and in HR, as this allows them to be more mindful of others’ personality traits such that they can tailor how they interact with customers and staff.
Lastly, organizations that embrace DiSC have a common language to talk about leadership and workplace tasks, which benefits everyone.
How DiSC Works
Once purchased, DiSC is a fairly simple self-assessment that is taken online without an administrator. With just 24 questions, it can usually be completed in less than 30 minutes. A person who takes the assessment will encounter statements like, “Getting results is one of my top priorities,” or “I like to be involved in group projects,” and will be asked to rate each statement on how strongly they agree with it.
After completion, a report is generated outlining each employee’s scores in each of the four dimensions. The report also includes suggested tactics to work more effectively with those who may have different styles, and outlines potential areas of growth.
What is your DiSC style?
While most people will display aspects of all personality styles, the vast majority fall mostly into one of the four buckets.
Dominance
People with a Dominance personality style are movers and shakers. They want to get things done and tend to focus on outcomes. Driven and confident, Ds tend to be confident, fast-paced, and direct in their communication. One of a D’s greatest strengths is their ability to see the big-picture in the workplace.
When faced with conflict, D profiles tend to speak up about problems, but may look to “even the score.” Ds can struggle with patience and sensitivity and may need reminders to slow down and look at the details.
influence
The small i is a trademark, by the way! People with an influence style are enthusiastic personalities, motivated by social activities and working in groups. Warm and convincing, they are usually well-liked and influence others with their charm and energy. i types are fantastic coaches in the workplace.
During conflict, people with i styles tend to express their feelings clearly, but are also more likely to gossip. i types can struggle to speak directly and candidly and can need support with follow-through.
Steady
The Steady profile is just that - extremely consistent and predictable. S people tend to look for opportunities to help, and often take on extra work. Ss influence their peers by performing consistently and by being accommodating to others’ needs. People with S profiles enjoy working collaboratively and like to work within existing structures to carry out tasks.
When faced with conflict, Ss are great listeners, but are unlikely to share their own thoughts, even when pushed. People with this type of personality may need to work on adapting to change and speaking their minds.
Conscientiousness
The Conscientiousness profile is an analytical one. People who are Cs tend to be independent and systematic in their work, and they communicate as true diplomats. A humble type, Cs care a great deal about accuracy and the end product. They like to take their time and make sure things are right.
During conflict, C personalities focus on logic and objectivity, but may overpower others with facts that don’t consider feelings. Cs may need support with delegation and with making quick decisions when needed.
Interested in more?
The Everything DiSC assessment is a fantastic workplace tool. Agile Talent offers DiSC packages, which include support with administering the assessment itself as well as follow-up training to dissect reports, discuss what they mean for your unique team, and plan for follow-up to maximize use of the data.
