DISC is the four quadrant behavioral model based on the work of William Moulton Marston (1893 – 1947) in attempting to examine individuals' behavior within a specific situation (otherwise known as environment. It therefore focuses on the styles and preferences of such behavior. The father of DISC was a Harvard University graduate and was also a consulting psychologist, researcher and author of five books, either soley or through joint effort. His works were also showcased in The Encyclopedia of Psychology and The Encyclopedia Britannica among others.

This Personality System has been known as the universal language of behavior. Research has found that characteristics of behavior can be grouped into four major 'personality styles' and they tend to exhibit specific characteristics common to that particular style. All individuals have all four, but what differs from one to another is the extent of that propensity.

For most persons, personality types are seen in shades of grey rather than black or white, and within that, there is an interplay of behaviors, otherwise known as blends. The denotation of such blends would be starting with the primary or stronger type, followed by the secondary or lesser type, although all contribute more than just purely the strength of that 'signal'.

Having understood the differences between these blends makes it possible to integrate individual team members with less troubleshooting – i.e. Knowing where to troubleshoot is no longer the issue, but admittedly, it still takes dedication on everyone's part not to step on one another's shoes. This is as there ar varying degrees of compatibilities, not just towards tasks, but of interpersonal relationships. However, when they are identified, energy can be donated towards refinining the results.

Dominant

Value to team: Organizer. Bottom-line. Time-conscious. Innovative.

Ideal Environment: Future-focused. Non-routine activities. Projects that focus on tangibles. Freedom from nitty-gritty. Personal evaluation on results rather than methods.

Influencer

General Characteristics: Trusting. Optimistic. Persuasive. Emotional. Impulsive.

Motivated by: A friendly environment. Freedom from too many rules. Big-picture. Popularity & acceptance.

Steady

Value to team: Loyal team worker. Authority compliant. Good listener & reconciler. Can be relied on.

Conscientious

Value to team: Perspective. Even-tempered. Thorough. Detailed. Defines situation. Tests information.

Ideal Environment: Tasks that can be completed and are highly specialized. Practical work routines. Few conflicts. Reassurance that they are doing expected.

How is it used?

• Discover behavioral styles – strengths, areas for capitalizing, blending, augmenting.

• Learn to value & respect others' strengths

• Effective conflict resolution by adaptive behaviors

• Enhance teamwork

• Improve communiation skills

• Increase understanding of prospect

• Identify and meet clients' needs and so improve customer relationships

• Reduce stress in relationships – interpersonal & intrapersonal

Used by man Fortune 500 Companies, HR professionals, Non-Profit organisations, consultants, coaches, trainers, dentists, clergy, government agencies. DISC offers the following benefits:

• Productive teambuilding & team development

• Useful tool for managing staff effectively

• Training a sales team

• Enhance customer service

• Conflict resolution

• Improve communication

• Improve awareness & recognises diversity of behaviors

• Improves productivity

• Quality enhancement

• Change management