For those of you keen to understand the background of DISC, I thought I’d put together a little a snapshot of how this impressive tool came to life and is able to add such great value to our lives today.
DISC dates back to the early 1920’s when Psychologist William Moulton Marston graduated from doctoral studies at Harvard in the newly developing field of psychology. In 1928, he released the findings of his studies and published a book called Emotions of Normal People, which showcased his extensive research and theory behind the DISC model.
What he discovered was that we have both behavioural styles that are natural, internal, and innate, but alsoa style that is able to be largely impacted by a particular environment we may be in at the time (related to our work).
He found that human behavioral characteristics could be grouped together in four main divisions and people with similar styles tend to exhibit specific behavioral characteristics common to that style. Marston named four dimensions of behavior, and created a means to identify these and as such the acronym DISC was born.
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Strong, Direct, Bold, Decisive, Healthy ego, Solved Problems, Took risks |
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People People, Enthusiastic, Optimistic, Talkative, Impulsive, Emotional, Pursuasive. |
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Loyal, Good listener, Team player, Authentic, Steady, Predictable, Understanding, sometimes slow |
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C= Comp |
Detail and data focused, Analytical, Lover of facts, systems and processes. Had very high standards. |
For the most part, we all have the four styles in us in varying degrees of intensity represented as by the graph.
We have what is called our “Natural Style” ie: what comes most naturally to us, who we are at our default and we also have what is known as our “Perceived Need to Adjust” – which is based on the circumstances on any environment we are in at any given time. They may be the same, they may be different. There is no profile that is right or wrong, better or worse than another. All it is, is information about ourselves.
DISC has become and is now known as the universal language of behavior because of it’s simplicity and sincerity. The language is so easy to understood and apply.
Every day, I never cease to be amazed the insight it brings to individuals, teams and organisations.
I tell what is also super interesting, the lie detector machine was also the brainchild of Dr. William Moulton Marston and he also developed the female superhero archetype Wonder Woman, but hands down his most enduring contribution to truth-seeking is the way he enables the theory of DISC to reveal behavioral truths that can have profound effects on every-day people.
It’s hands down my most favourite behavioural tool to use. I’ve even gone so far as to not take on any new clients anymore until they have completed a DISC profile. The benefits are truly beyond insightful.
If you’re interested in having your DISC Profile done, reach out. You absolutely will not regret it.
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