How the DISC personality profile changed the way I communicate

I recently took a free DISC assessment online. Here’s what happened.

What it is DISC?

DISC is a personality profile introduced by psychologist Dr. William Moulton Marston in his 1928 book “Emotions of Normal People.” The tool measures four primary behavioral traits: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness.

How it’s used

DISC is based on two foundational observations about how people normally behave: 1) some people are more outgoing, while others are more reserved, and 2) some people are more task-orientated, while others are more people-oriented.

• Outgoing + task-orientated = dominant, driving, doer (high Dominance)
• Outgoing + people-orientated = inspiring/influencing, interesting, interactive (high Influence)
• Reserved + people-orientated = supportive, steady, stable (high Steadiness)
• Reserved + task-orientated = cautious, competent, careful (high Conscientiousness)

You can see how understanding both your and your team members’ personality profiles would help improve communication, teamwork, and productivity, as well as strengthen your own personal relationships and leadership abilities.

Real-world example

I have been in an ongoing conversation with a former colleague and now a good friend (let’s call her Sue) about her joining my business team. From my perspective, it’s a no-brainer: work from home, set your hours, help people, earn a good income, and be your own boss. In fact, when I was approached about the same opportunity two and a half years ago, it took me about three minutes to decide to press “go.” I’ve been talking to Sue for two years and have grown increasingly frustrated and frankly confounded about why she won’t just say “yes” already! 

Last week, I looked at this situation through the DISC lens. My profile is high Influence. 

“You have a strong inner motivation to influence people and circumstances. You thrive on competitive situations and challenging assignments. The stresses and pressures of everyday work and life are unlikely to reduce your effectiveness and enthusiasm.”

I don’t know Sue’s DISC profile, but I know her pretty well and can say she is more reserved than outgoing, and more people-orientated than task-orientated, which means, broadly speaking, she’s a high S, which is generally supportive, steady and stable. Sue fits almost perfectly the high S description of being even-tempered, friendly, sympathetic with others, and very generous with loved ones. She is understanding and listens well and prefers close, personal relationships.

Understanding a different perspective I realized I’d been talking to Sue from my perspective as a high I, rather than from her perspective, as a high S. I was emphasizing the things that motivate me: approval, flattery, acceptance, freedom from rules, and a friendly and fun environment. What I should have been doing is emphasizing the things that motivate her: safety and security, avoiding conflict, existing in peaceful environments, and recognition for loyalty and dependability.

Well, that explains a lot. Sure wish I’d thought of this two years ago. Consider your own personality type and how you motivate employees. Are you using your motivators or theirs?

Sage Johnson, Professional Freelance Writer

I credit my early love of writing – and costume jewelry – to my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Nesbit, a stork of a woman who sang, “Clang, clang, clang went the trolley. Boom, boom, boom went my heart.” In junior high, I covered the community college hockey team for my hometown newspaper. I got to ride the bus to out-of-town games with the team – including a certain defenseman – which was payment enough for me. I eventually had to swear off hockey players, but could never shake writing, even when I dipped my toes into other careers (like real estate, long story). My sister says I don’t have a “type” when it comes to guys, and I guess the same is true of my writing experience. I get butterflies at the prospect of a press release on a tight deadline, and I lose all sense of time and space when immersed in a technical paper, case study or cover story. I used to take pride in the commonly-held belief that a journalist is a “jack-of-all-trades and master of none.” Although I proudly own my writing promiscuity, I would argue professional writers are masters of The Story. That tall drink of water that enters every room like he owns the damn place. The jaw bone in the tux at the redneck wedding. The perfectly insouciant posture chatting up the bartender. The guy who discusses geopolitics and Packer football with equal passion. Like it or not, we’re all drawn to The Story.