Thursday, January 23, 2014

How The DISC Personality Test Can Deepen Your Understanding Of Yourself And Others

By Judy Sullivan


Insights gained from the DISC personality test can transform how we see both ourselves, and others. It reveals a basic orientation that each one of us has that influences how we think and behave. By understanding this system, we can see ourselves and other people more clearly and thus bring greater awareness and harmony to our work and home lives.

DISC theory holds that each one of us exhibits one of four personal styles. The four styles are Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness. We are each a unique blend of the four styles, but will generally have a dominant style that is supported by a secondary style, a tertiary style and an inferior style. Some of us may have an absent style. The following is a brief thumbnail sketch of each style.

Someone with a Dominant style will be one of life's competitors. These folks are bold action-takers who thrive on challenge. They may be regarded as blunt, forceful, decisive, demanding and with a strong personality. However, their lack of tact can alienate others, and this can work against them. The key to getting along with a D-type is to be clear and to-the-point, stand your ground, and don't test their patience.

Influence style folks are enthusiastic doers who value social recognition and collaboration. They are often described as charismatic, warm, optimistic and fun to be around. Although often highly competent, they can be disorganised and can have trouble following through once their initial enthusiasm has waned. To get along with an 'I', be positive, a team player and don't overwhelm them with too many details.

Those of the Steadiness style are good-natured co-operators who seek harmony with others. They favor a stable environment where they help others and feel appreciated. On the negative side, they can be indecisive and over-accommodating, and can resist change. To get on with an S-type, be co-operative, amiable, avoid displays of aggression and show appreciation.

Conscientiousness style people tend to be analytical, independent thinkers who prize accuracy and competence. They are also careful, cautious, detail-orientated, diplomatic and tactful. On the downside, they can be over-analytical and over-critical. To get along with a C-type, focus on facts and details, minimise emotional language, and be patient and diplomatic.

The variations in the styles goes some way to explaining why there can be so much conflict and misunderstanding in life. Getting on with others who have a very different style to our own can certainly be a challenge. DISC enables us to truly understand others and thus be better equipped to create friendship and harmony.

For those in managerial positions, using the DISC personality test enables them to organise their teams/departments much more effectively. They are much better able to match people to the positions or tasks that suit them best. This can lead to great improvements in morale and productivity. Even those with a more casual interest in the four styles can learn to understand others better and greatly improve their daily interactions.




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