WHY I LOVE DISC
Before I launch into the many, many reasons that I LOVE DiSC so much, I should really explain what it is.
DiSC is a behavioural analysis tool that measures preferences and tendencies, not skill or ability. The DiSC Model of Behavior was first proposed in 1928 by William Moulton Marston, a physiological psychologist, in his book entitled ‘Emotions of Normal People’
On answering some questions, a personalised profile is produced and in broad terms, tells us whether we are D, i, S or C style, as below.
Using the tool is relatively easy, even if people haven’t taken the profile.
We can ask ourselves the following questions, to work out which style a person most likely is:
- Is the person more fast-paced and outspoken?
OR - Are they more cautious and reflective?
Then ask,
- Is this person more questioning and skeptical?
OR - Are they more accepting and warm?
The intersection of these two dimensions creates the four basic DiSC styles, those with the
D style tend to be fast-paced, skeptical & active
i style tend to be outspoken, active & accepting
S style tend to be steady, accepting & reflective
C style tend to be questioning, reflective & skeptical
The important cornerstone principles remind us that this is a tool for dialogue not diagnosis! We are each a blend of all 4 styles and each style is no more or less valuable than the rest. This is not about putting people in boxes. However imagery is a powerful thing, so these people in boxes below show you the essence of how we are all different!
One of the biggest reasons I am such a fan of DiSC is that it helps us to understand ourselves and other people better. So many of the problems in the world today are a result of a lack of understanding of others. Of their behaviour, motivations, views, religion, politics. Now I am not going to get into politics or religion (now or never) but what does interest me is communication.
Imagine, for a moment, the world of work was full of employees who:
- Were totally self-aware, who understood what drives their own behaviour, their motivations, strengths and weaknesses and preferred ways of working.
- Had a total understanding of their colleagues – managers and team mates alike, understanding what drives their behaviour, knowing their motivations, strengths and weaknesses and preferred ways of working.
- Were able to communicate freely and easily from top down and side to side with different personality styles, promoting improved teamwork, better conflict resolution and improved service resulting in better relationships.
- Were able to work effectively and productively together, embracing the differences between each team member and ensuring strengths are always utilised and weaknesses supported.
If this were the case, can you see how people would be happier, more effective and productive? Well let me tell you, used effectively this is exactly what DiSC does.
DiSC is a valuable tool that can help people improve their lives in many ways. There is a reason it is used globally by so many fortune 500 companies, it works. Whilst there are many other similar tools, I chose to use DiSC because the language used is straight-forward, making it simple and easy to use. It is also well-researched and based on sound psychological principles. It also now has an amazing LMS (Catalyst) that keeps learning alive – something other behavioural and psychometric tests don’t have,
Throughout my career, I have used DiSC to help people understand themselves and others better. The results are always outstanding, which drives my passion so it instantly ticks three of my core values – passion, making a difference and results focus.
DiSC, with so many different profiles is like the gift that keeps on giving. I use the profiles as development. Firstly the workplace profile, then for managers, the management profile. Then we move onto Agile EQ which develops emotional intelligence – a tick in my core values ’empathy’ box. My DiSC programmes are always full of collaboration and all about improving communication and understanding which satisfies my ‘engaging’ value. Finally there is nothing more real and honest than investing in helping people to understand themselves and others better, so this embodies my final value of ‘integrity’ Like my values, DiSC is a tool worthy of building empires!
Not only that, a tool so completely aligned to my core values? What’s not to love?
Please get in touch if you would like to experience the power of DiSC with your people!
