The DISC Method of Assessment
The DISC assessment model is a personal assessment tool designed to help teams better understand themselves and their coworkers, resulting in better communication, teamwork and productivity.
How does DISC Work?
The program has created a common language that gives employees the knowledge needed to improve working relationships and decrease conflict. Employees are all asked to complete the assessment to measure how they respond to rules and procedures, their preferred pace, how they influence others and how they respond to challenges. Depending on their answers, they are assigned to one of the four main personality types. DISC is a tool for dialogue, not a diagnosis; the tool measures patterns of behavior and tendencies and preferences with judgment concerning values or alignment with a job classification or skill set.
The online assessment takes an average of 15 -20 minutes to complete and consists of 80 questions that are answered on a five-point basis of how much you agree or disagree with each statement. Each employee will receive a profile based on their answers detailing their needs, preferred environment, behavioral style and strategies for effective behavior.
The Four Personality Types
DISC is named directly after the four main personality types assigned to each employee participating in the course.
Dominance
A “D” Style worker is motivated by winning, success and competition. They are big-picture thinkers who prioritize taking action, achieving results and accepting challenges. D styles tend to be outspoken and demanding, strong-willed and determined. They fear being taken advantage of and being seen as vulnerable and could stand to develop some patience and empathy.
Influence
Relationships, social recognition, and group activities motivate an “I” style worker. They place importance on collaboration, taking action and expressing enthusiasm. They are seen as warm, optimistic, trusting, magnetic and convincing. They fear being ignored and losing their influence and should work on following through on tasks and being more objective.
Steadiness
An “S” style worker is motivated by cooperation, sincere appreciation and opportunities to help. They prioritize maintaining stability, collaborating and giving support. Often described as patient, calm, deliberate, predictable and consistent, they fear change, loss of stability, offending others and letting people down. They often need to work on self-confidence and displaying their feelings.
Conscientious
A “C” style worker is motivated by opportunities to show their expertise, produce quality work and gain knowledge. They place precedence on maintaining stability, ensuring accuracy and challenging assumptions. They are often described as analytical, careful, tactful and diplomatic. C types could benefit from looking beyond the data and recognizing others’ feelings.
It’s worth noting that everyone is made up of a combination of the above four styles and no one style is better than the others. The DISC method is used to help people see which personality style they lean towards the most to understand their own tendencies better and more effectively interact with others.
Why use the DISC Method?
Having a better understanding of how we and those around us think and operate can go a long way to creating a more effective team environment that is free of judgment, has better problem-solving skills, and can turn conflict into positive interactions.
Olivia Smith
Olivia Smith is the founder of Write a New Story and is a Master Certified Professional Coach and Certified DISC facilitator. With her varied business background, she is well suited to work with teams and individuals who want to better themselves in their careers.
Olivia works with nonprofits, corporations, startups, and individuals who desire personal development coaching to move from where they are now to where they want to be.
