The DiSC assessment can help you increase your self-awareness, communicate more effectively with others and improve your decision-making skills. The information you receive can help you both in your personal life and your work performance.
[Read more: Entrepreneurs Reveal the 6 Personality Traits That Make Them Successful]
What is the DiSC assessment?
The DiSC assessment was built on William Moulton Marston’s model of behavior. In 1928, Marston published a book called Emotions of Normal People. In the book, he explained his theory that people generally display one of four behaviors.
Over the past 40 years, the publishers of the test have continually updated and improved the DiSC assessment. The test has helped over 40 million people understand their personality type better.
The DiSC assessment looks at aspects of your personality and doesn’t measure intelligence or aptitude. Instead, it looks at indicators like how you respond to challenges and how well you work with others.
You can use the DiSC assessment as a personal assessment, and workplaces can use it to improve team performance. The assessment is often used as part of a workshop or sales training class.
[Read more: 8 Personality Tests to Help You Hire the Best Candidate]
What does the DiSC assessment measure?
The assessment measures your behavior patterns. It does this by looking at four different aspects of your personality:
- Dominance: An individual who scores primarily in the “D” category is results-focused. They tend to be outspoken, confident and are motivated by success. This personality type values action and personal freedom and dislikes being taken advantage of.
- Influence: If you score high for influence, you have a knack for influencing other people with your enthusiasm and energy. You probably enjoy coaching or mentoring others and dislike disapproval or rejection.
- Steadiness: If your results show steadiness, you probably have a calm and dependable disposition. Nicknamed “The Peacekeeper,” this individual is motivated by cooperation and dislikes change or a lack of stability.
- Conscientiousness: Finally, individuals in this quadrant emphasize accuracy and expertise. These individuals enjoy gaining knowledge, producing high-quality work, and dislike criticism.
According to the DiSC assessment, we all have traits from each quadrant and use them to different degrees. When you receive your results, you’ll likely see some combination of the letters. For instance, if you receive a “Di,” that means you lean toward dominance and influence.
[Read more: What is the CliftonStrengths Assessment, and How Does It Work?]
Over the past 40 years, the publishers of the test have continually updated and improved the DiSC assessment. The test has helped over 40 million people understand their personality type better.
How does the test work?
You’ll start by filling out the DiSC questionnaire, which asks you to respond to different statements on a five-point scale. The assessment will present statements like, “I love meeting new people.” From there, you can express how much you agree or disagree with the statement.
You’ll take the assessment online, and it should take about 20 minutes to complete. Once you’re finished, you’ll receive your results and profile report.
Your profile will explain your behavioral style and strategies you can use to manage your DiSC personality type more effectively. You can use the DiSC assessment for your own personal growth or help you in your career development.
Benefits of the DiSC assessment
If you’re on the fence, here are some of the biggest benefits of taking the DiSC assessment:
- Increase your self-awareness: The test can help you increase your self-awareness by understanding how you respond to conflict, can stay motivated and approach challenges.
- Develop better conflict resolution strategies: By understanding your personality type, you can learn how to adapt to other people better and resolve conflicts in more effective ways.
- Improve your performance at work: Understanding your DiSC type can help you become a better leader, develop stronger sales skills, and respond more effectively to customers.
- Hone your communication skills: You can use your DiSC profile to understand how to communicate with others and limit misunderstandings.
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