The DISC Personality Test
What is the DISC Personality Test?
The current day DISC test (also known as a DISC assessment) has been adapted over time. This assessment tool is based on the DISC model and personality theory of psychologist Dr. William Moulton Marston. Marston's Disc Theory DISC Theory was then developed into the DISC personality assessment format by Industrial Psychologist, Walter Vernon Clarke. The version of the DISC assessment and resulting DISC profile used today was later adapted by Dr. John G. Greier, III, who simplified the DISC personality profile format for more concise and accurate results.
What does the DISC Personality Assessment measure?
The DISC personality system measures four quadrants of personality, as developed by Dr. Marston. Each person has a unique combination of four personality traits that make up the acronym DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness).
DOMINANT
(also known as Drive)- As one's DISC type relates to power, control, and assertiveness Personality Traits: Direct, Decisive, Risk-Taker, Problem Solver, Argumentative
INFLUENCE
(also known as Inducement)- As one's DISC type relates to communication and social situations Personality Traits: Outgoing, Enthusiastic, Optimistic, Persuasive, Impulsive, Emotional
STEADINESS
(also known as Submission) - As one's DISC type relates to patience, thoughtfulness, and stability Personality Traits: Good listener, Predictable, Understanding, Supportive, Friendly, Generous
COMPLIANT
(also known as Compliance)- As one's DISC type relates to structure and organization Personality Traits: Accurate, Precise, Careful, Correct, Systematic, Analytical, High-standards
What to keep in mind during DISC Testing.
When taking the DISC test, you will answer questions by choosing which options are "Most Like You" and which are "Least Like You." See the following as an example:
As you might infer, your personalized DISC profile results will be heavily based on how you answer the test questions. You should keep in mind the purpose of the assessment. For example, if you are taking it for marriage counseling, you should keep in mind how you interact with your spouse. If you are taking it for a job interview, make sure to answer the MOST/LEAST questions with the mindset of how you interact in the workplace. Your personality type is different in different situations and environments. You may be calm and confident while in a business situation, outgoing and gregarious when with close personal friends, or reserved and quiet when meeting new people for the first time.
The Bottom Line: Accurate DISC profiling requires the frame of mind for the situation that you want your DISC personality type to reflect.
What are the applications of the DISC Personality Assessment?
The DISC assessment tool measures one's predictable personality traits, outward behaviors, and communication style. These personality aspects tell us important information about how we relate to people, systems, conflict, and environments. Below are some typical applications:
- Hiring (Pre-Employment Screening)
- Employee & Volunteer Placement
- Team Building
- Conflict Resolution
- Stress Management
- Personal Development
- Sales Training
- Leadership & Management Training
- Career Placement
- Improve Communication
What are the different types of DISC tests offered by PeopleKeys?
PeopleKeys has a few distinctions between its DISC personality profiles
PeopleKeys offers the option of either a printed paper version of the DISC personality test, or you can take the DISC assessment online. In the online version, your results are automatically calculated, resulting in a printable PDF report. After completing the paper DISC assessment, you'll need to add up your results and manually graph them. In the online version, each report section is tailored to your specific DISC behavioral style, while in the paper format, after completing your graphs, you would turn to the appropriate page describing your resulting DISC style. The online report is more customized for your exact DISC style blend and we recommend this one over the paper version for the most accurate and in-depth results.
Read more on the validity of the PeopleKeys DISC Personality System.