About Everything DiSC®

The DiSC model, based on the work of psychologist William Moulton Marston in the 1920s, is a popular, straightforward, standardized, and relatively easy way to assess behavioral styles and preferences. The tool classifies people’s behavior into four types:

  • Dominance direct, strong-willed and forceful
  • Influence sociable, talkative and lively
  • Steadiness gentle, accommodating and soft-hearted
  • Conscientiousness private, analytical and logical

Every individual – regardless of age, cultural background, educational level, etc. – is a mixture of all four styles by nature. Yet, every person has his or her own unique style, and these styles can be measured to reveal the associated priorities: the eight words around the DiSC circle.

For example, Jane has a D style with Challenge, Results and Action as her priorities. Bob, on the other hand, has a combined iS style, prioritizing Enthusiasm, Collaboration and Support, while John has a combined CS style that prioritizes Accuracy, Stability and Support.

The proper understanding of one’s individual DiSC profile is key to provide for a greater self-awareness and to reveal the priorities and differences of others. Practical strategies and tips are given in the DiSC profile to help individuals deal with these differences and to achieve more effective communication. The magic in DiSC is, therefore, found in revealing one’s own individual style and then learning ways on how to interact more productively with the other styles.

DiSC assessments are easily managed and completed online, which takes 15-20 minutes. Reports are generated quickly and feedback is presented to the participant in line with his/her level and duties, e.g. as team member, line manager, department leader, sales person or chief executive.  The assessment can be used to help team building and recruitment, improve performance, resolve conflict, etc.

The benefits of using the DiSC assessment includes:

  • More Time and Energy for Productive Activity
  • Better Fit Between Team Members and Roles
  • Improved Understanding of Customers and Other Stakeholders

Click Here To Order DiSC Profile Assessments

The Origins of DiSC®

The DiSC® Model of Behavior is based on William Moulton Marston’s book, Emotions of Normal People, published in 1928.  Through his research, Marston theorized that there are four distinct personality types: Dominance (D), Inducement (I), Steadiness (S), and Compliance (C), which are evident in behavioral expressions of emotion. Based on a person’s perceptions of self in relationship to his or her environment, one’s category on the DiSC spectrum could be understood. An individual is not limited to one spectrum on the DiSC assessment; the different personality types can be exhibited individually or in combination with any of the others.

Marston did not build the circular “disc” model we are familiar with today; however, his primary interest was in theories of emotions and the physical manifestations of emotional states and all of his work on this subject have been analyzed and enhanced by many as the advancement and understanding of psychological measurement and theory evolves.

William Marston was a very interesting man and scholar who is credited with the invention of the lie detector test and Wonder Woman.  It is fair to say that he believed in complete self-awareness, honesty, loyalty and strength of one’s character.

In the 1970’s, John Geier, a faculty member at University of Minnesota, developed the Personal Profile System (PPS), an instrument that applied the theories of Marston and delivered the first DiSC assessment which included combinations of behavioral styles.  John Geier’s original company became Inscape Publishing and published the first DiSC Classic® in the late 90’s and DiSC Classic 2.0 ® in early 00’s to meet the growing needs of online ativity.

In 2007, Inscape Publishing launched Everything DiSC® which included additional programs specific to an organizations needs, customized reporting, facilitation kits, and online access to scores of additional information.  We were also introduced to the “Dot” and circular graph which indicates a person’s style and tendencies.

In 2012, Wiley Acquired Everything DiSC® from Inscape. The acquisition extended Wiley’s global reach and accelerated Wiley’s digital strategy in workplace learning.

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