DISC is the four quadrant behavioural model based on the work of William Moulton Marston Ph.D., who published his works in 1928.
This system of dimensions of communication is known as the universal language of behaviour.
Marston has found that we react to the outside world in four specific ways:
extravert, introvert, task oriented and people oriented.
The characteristics that help us to identify styles are: dominance, influence, steadiness and conscientiousness.
The Dominant person is task oriented and extravert. He tends to take control and is results driven. He enjoys challenges, taking action and wants immediate results.
The Inspiring person is outgoing and people oriented. He likes motivating others. He expresses himself, and likes to be heard. He has no problems convincing and influencing others.
The Steady person is people oriented and introvert. He likes stability, status quo and harmony. He is very supportive and takes care of good relations.
The Conscientious person is introvert and task oriented. He wants to do things right and would rather avoid problems. He is precise and accurate.
In short, one can say that the DISC model maps the preferred style of behaviour and communication.
Studying the styles helps us understand why certain people's characteristics allow them to excel in certain areas. We can learn to imitate those characteristics for greater success in our own areas of weakness. The good news is that we can grow, change, and mature to demonstrate those characteristics we admire in other styles.
DISC promotes open communication, builds relations, and brings out the personal affectivity.
The power of the DISC model is simplicity without denying the complexity of people.
The DISC model answers questions like:
- Why some people never want to change ever while others can't wait
- Why some people lead and others follow
- Why some people are immensely flexible and others cling to procedures
The answers are given in different ways.
The answers are shown in the results of the assessment. The results are shown in three graphs which give a lot of detailed, useful information. One graph shows how one sees him/herself. A second graph shows how a person reacts and deals with positive or negative pressure. A third graph shows the person how he/she presents him/herself to the outside world.
What does DISC measure?
D - How you deal with problems and challenges
I - How you motivate and convince others to see your point of view
S - How you deal with changes in your own environment
C - How you deal with rules, details and procedures
DISC is a model that observes the human behaviour, 'how we act' or 'how we communicate'.
What is DISC used for?
• It promotes better communication
• To give you a better insight in the differences in personalities and recognise these
differences
• To take away frustration and give insight when in a conflict
• For team development and teambuilding
• For (change)management and quality improvement
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