What is DISC Assessment?

When I facilitate DISC assessment workshops - or deliver talks on DISC - sometimes I like to add a bit of fun by donning my colored glasses. The glasses aren't just a playful prop; they visually represent the colors tied to the four distinct types of human behavior.

(Fun fact: Did you know that it’s estimated that anywhere between 65-89% of the world population are visual learners?)

What is DISC Assessment?

Developed by psychologist Dr. William Marston, DISC is a measure of observable personality traits and a powerful predictor of behavior.

It’s one of the most widely recognized and used instruments for measuring and understanding behavioral tendencies.

DISC categorizes people based on two simple criteria: whether they are outgoing or reserved, and whether they are task oriented or people oriented.

Different combinations of these reveal four distinct personality styles: Dominant (outgoing and task oriented), Influencing (outgoing and people oriented), Steady (reserved and people oriented) and Compliant (reserved and task oriented).

These are represented by the colors red, yellow, green and blue, respectively.

While everyone is a blend of these four styles, the unique intensity of each trait is what makes each of us distinct.

What patterns are recognizable under each style?

First, a small exercise. Can you identify the animals represented by these prints below?

You're spot on if you guessed zebra, peacock, giraffe, and tiger. Just like these patterns hint at what to expect, DISC helps us identify behavioral patterns in people. Here’s a glimpse of what you might observe in each style:

• Dominant (D) styled people are direct, driven, decisive, results-oriented and have a strong sense of ambition. They like taking charge and are not afraid of taking risks. They’re known for being straightforward. Does this sound like someone you know? Maybe even yourself?
• Influencing (I) styled people tend to be impulsive, inspiring, enthusiastic, full of energy and thrive on social connections. They like having fun and are known to be creative and uplifting. Do you have a family member who fits this description?
• Steady (S) styled people are stable, reliable, empathetic, friendly, caring and good listeners. They strive to satisfy everyone around them, are compassionate and like harmony. Perhaps you recognize a colleague with these traits?
• Compliant (C) styled people tend to be analytical, logical, risk-averse and like data and details. They tend to have perfectionist tendencies and, with a preference for structure and precision, often take their time to make decisions. Does this remind you of a client or team member?

Overall, DISC is a positive, insightful assessment that helps us understand ourselves and others better, improves our interactions, and provides a shared language for discussing human behavior.

It’s a powerful tool that, when used effectively, can help you succeed in both social and business arenas.

Get curious - what do people's behaviors reveal about their personality styles?

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