Ever wonder what your behavior says about your leadership style? One assessment tool that can help you find out is DiSC.
The DiSC model of behavior was first outlined by psychologist William Mouton Marston in his 1928 book, "Emotions of Normal People." According to discprofile.com, Marston's theory stated that behavioral expression of emotions could be categorized into types (Dominance, Inducement, Submission, Compliance), based on a person's perceptions of self in relation to his or her environment. Understanding your primary behavioral trait, he believed, would help you understand and manage your experiences and relationships with others.
In the decades that followed, several assessments using Marston's theories were developed, which eventually led to the modern DiSC assessment and its current types or styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness.
Today, the DiSC assessment is most frequently used in business and government organizations to help teams work more effectively together. Respondents rate a series of behavior-related statements (e.g., "Getting results is one of my top priorities" or "I like to be involved in group projects") based on how strongly they agree or disagree with each. [Looking for the Best Job for Your Personality? Start Here]
Why it works
Like other personality or behavior-assessment tools, DiSC works by helping you become more self-aware. This will help you recognize and acknowledge the strengths and shortcomings of not only yourself, but your team.
"Assessment tools ... can indicate whether the group is likely to bond or fracture by examining qualities that predict both success and failure," Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic and Dave Winsborough wrote in a 2015 Harvard Business Review article. "For example, we know that teams with members who are open-minded and emotionally intelligent leverage conflict to improve performance, whereas neurotic and closed-minded teams fall apart in the face of disagreement."
Chamorro-Premuzic and Winsborough also noted that teams perform better when their members share values, and assessment tools can help identify the values that are expressed through your everyday behavior.
"Teams whose values cohere identify more strongly as a group and display greater levels of innovation," the authors wrote. "Because values are a guide for behavioral choices, group members who share similar values are more likely to agree about group actions, and vice versa."
Finding your DiSC style
Which DiSC style are you most closely aligned with? Discprofile offers an outline and overview of each.
Dominance
A person with a Dominance (D) style wants to shape his or her environment by overcoming opposition to accomplish results. He or she values confidence and focuses on the bottom line.
Traits: Blunt/direct; forceful; strong-willed; driven; fast-paced; self-confident
Behaviors: Sees the big picture; accepts challenges; gets straight to the point
Leadership styles: Commanding; resolute; pioneering
Needs to work on: Patience; sensitivity; looking at details; allowing for deliberation
Learn more about the Dominance style.
Influence
Someone with an Influence (i) style aims to shape his or her environment by influencing or persuading others. This person values openness, friendship and building relationships.
Traits: Enthusiastic; optimistic; convincing; warm; trusting
Behaviors: Likes to collaborate; dislikes being ignored; fears loss of influence/disapproval
Leadership styles: Energizing; pioneering; affirming
Needs to work on: Complete follow-through; speaking directly and candidly; researching all the facts
Learn more about the Influence style.
Steadiness
A person with a Steadiness (S) style wants to work with others within existing circumstances to carry out tasks. He or she values cooperation, sincerity and dependability.
Traits: Humble; calm; patient; deliberate; consistent; accommodating
Behaviors: Provides supportive actions; doesn't like to be rushed; tends to avoid change
Leadership styles: Inclusive; humble; affirming
Needs to work on: Adapting to change; multitasking, confronting others
Learn more about the Steadiness style.
Conscientiousness
As the name implies, someone with a Conscientiousness (C) style wants to work conscientiously within existing circumstances to ensure quality and accuracy. This person values expertise, competency and objective reasoning.
Traits: Independent; analytical; careful/cautious; systematic; diplomatic; tactful
Behaviors: Maintains stability; wants details; challenges assumptions; fears criticism and being wrong
Leadership styles: Deliberate; humble; resolute
Needs to work on: Delegating; compromising; making quick decisions
Learn more about the Conscientiousness style.
A basic, free version of the DiSC assessment is available at discpersonalitytesting.com when you sign up for an account, or you can purchase the full suite of DiSC products, including the assessment, analysis tools and certifications, at discprofile.com.
