DISC is a Four Quadrant Human Behaviour Model based on the work of William M. Marston that is used to assess the behaviour of individuals in their environment or situation. In the early 1920’s Marston’s work began when he first studied the concepts of will and power and their effect on personality and human behaviour. These findings contributed greatly to the field of psychology. One of his most notable inventions was also the Lie Detector.

DISC is an acronym for:

Dominance – relating to control, power and assertiveness

Influence – relating to social situations and communication

Steadiness – relating to patience, persistence, and thoughtfulness

Conscientiousness – relating to structure and organizationBelow are further

Descriptions of the Behaviours

Dominance: ‘D’ measures how a person solves problems and responds to challenges. A high ‘D’ will indicate that this person is very active in dealing with issues while a low ‘D’ indicates that this person wants to do more research first before taking action. High ‘D’ people are characterised as Daring, Domineering, Demanding, Decisive and Direct. People with low ‘D’ scores are described as Dependent, Modest, Conservative, Agreeable and Peaceful.

Influence: ‘I’ measures how a person attempts to influence or persuade others. A high ‘I’ will indicate that this person is more verbal and persuasive in influencing others to his/her way of thinking. They are described as Enthusiastic, Persuasive, Emotional, Self-Promoting, Trusting an Optimistic. People with low “I’ scores are described as Self-Conscious, With-drawn, Pessimistic, Suspicious or even Impatient.

Steadiness: ‘S’ measures the pace at which a person undertakes activities and responsibilities. A high ‘S’ will indicate that this person prefers to start and complete one job at a time and also the more resistance to change. A low ‘S’ indicates that this person works at a faster pace and ha a greater desire for change. High ‘S’ people are characterised as Passive, Patient, Loyal, Predictable, Tends to be poker faced and Unemotional. People with low ‘S’ scores are described as Active, Challenges the Status Quo, Restless, Spontaneous and Demonstrative.

Conscientious: “C’ measures how a person responds to the rules and regulations set by others. A high ‘C’ will indicate that this person complies to rules, regulations and structure set by others. They have a very high quality of work and likes to get it right the first time. A low ‘C’ indicates that this person will challenge rules and seek independence. High ‘C’ people are characterised as Perfectionist, Accurate, Systematic, Neat, Conventional and Diplomatic. Those with low ‘C’ are described as Tactless, Firm, Sarcastic, Unsystematic, careless with details

So… what Behaviour Trait am I?

A person usually has all four traits to an extent. In most cases, only two of them will be prominent and will be listed as the primary and secondary characteristics. To be sure of which Behavioural Trait you have, you will have to a take an assessment of 24 questions in 7 minutes. After which our Behavioural Consultant will explain your behavioural traits, strengths and weaknesses. Please note that there is no such thing as a bad personality, since we all need different types to create a synergistic and well balanced team.

Read further in Applications of DISC.