Every day we observe each other’s behaviour in an attempt to try and understand each other and communicate better. Scientific research has proven that people, in terms of “how they act”, universally have similar characteristics. By learning these characteristics, we can increase communication; therefore, increasing our understanding of each other. DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance) is the universal language of observable human behaviour.
DISC is not …
To fully understand what DISC is you need to know what DISC is not.
The DISC language does not measure:
- Intelligence
- Values
- Skills and Experience
- Education and Training
DISC is …
DISC is the language of “how we act” or our behaviour. Research has shown that behavioural characteristics can be grouped together into four quadrants or styles. People with similar styles tend to exhibit specific types of behaviour common to that style. A person’s behaviour is an integral part of who they are, in other words much of their behaviour comes from “nature” (inherent), and much comes from “nurture” (our upbringing). DISC merely analyses behavioural style; that is a person’s manner of doing things.
Benefits of DISC
By using the DISC language this will enable you to understand the different personalities in your office better and allow better communication. Here are some other benefits of using DISC:
Gain Commitment & Cooperation
Most people tend to trust or work well with others that are similar to themselves. The best way to gain cooperation and commitment is to “get into their world” and “blend” with their behavioural style. Observe a person’s body language, “how” they act and interact with others. Notice clues in their work or living area. By applying DISC language you will immediately be able to adapt to their style.
Building Effective Teams
Behavioural differences within a team has an immediate impact on communication, conflict resolution and motivation. Investment in training the team on DISC language gets an immediate return in team development. According to Judy Suiter, a specialist in team development, most teams never make it to high performance without training in a behavioural model. Investment in training the team on DISC language gets an immediate return in team development.
Resolving & Preventing Conflict
Understanding style similarities and differences will be the first step in resolving and preventing conflict. By meeting the person’s behavioural needs, you will be able to diffuse many problems before they even happen. People like to be managed a certain way. Some like structure and some don’t. Some like to work with people and some prefer to be alone. The DISC language will teach you more about a person in 10 minutes than you will learn a year without DISC.
DISC is the universal language of observable human behaviour. By understanding what DISC is and is not will help you understand it more effectively. MACRO Recruitment has regular workshops on DISC to train teams on how to understand DISC and use it in the workplace. To find out more about our next workshops click here.
