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DISC is the universal language of observable human behaviour and is a model that Cardinal Solutions uses to enhance several of its programmes. Throughout history, scientists and researchers have observed basic behavioural similarities which have in more recent times been clearly validated. The lineage of the DISC language, although not then called DISC, takes us all the way back to Empodocles in 444 B.C. The major developer of the DISC language is William Moulton Marston with some influence from Carl Jung.
The DISC model merely analyzes behavioural style; that is, a person’s manner of doing things. Behaviour is classified into four behavioural characteristics. By learning these characteristics, we can improve communication and understanding of ourselves and others.
D = Dominance – Challenge
How you respond to problems and challenges
I = Influence – Contacts
How you influence others to your point of view
S = Steadiness – Consistency
How you respond to the pace of the environment
C = Compliance – Constraints
How you respond to rules and procedures set by others
‘All people exhibit all four behavioural factors in varying degrees of intensity’ – W.M. Marston
DISC therefore plays an integral role in:
 Developing the self-awareness of individuals within your business;
Developing common understanding and appreciation within a team; and
Improving the effectiveness of your recruitment process.
There are many different versions of DISC. We use an online version out of the United States which takes only 10 minutes to complete. The resulting profile is typically a 24-page report written in plain language which does not require a great deal of interpretation and gives information on the individual's:
- General characteristics;
- Value to the organisation;
- Communication triggers;
- Communication barriers;
- Communication tips;
- Ideal environment;
- Perceptions;
- Descriptors;
- Natural behavioural style;
- Adapted behavioural style;
- Keys to motivating;
- Keys to managing; and
- Areas for improvement.
It also contains a behavioural factor indicator which graphically displays the individual’s behavioural skills against 12 specific factors - typically we use general management or sales factors depending on the target audience.
So how do we use such profiling?
Firstly, it is used as an integral part of our communication workshops, providing a tool by which individual's gain some feedback on their behavioural style, as well as providing an objective forum to disclose relevant information to their peers.
It can also be used to add integrity to a recruitment process whereby the profiles of short listed applicants can be compared against pre-determined behaviours required for the position. This also allows for some great behavioural anchored questioning as part of the interview process.
Most people who use the profiling are amazed at the accuracy of the results.
Contact us to arrange a complimentary profile and you be the judge!
 Click on the icon to view a sample profile
"The DISC profiling system provided by Cardinal Solutions is now a key part of the recruitment process used by the 'NZ Breakers' for players, coaches and management staff alike. We find DISC invaluable, both as a way of matching individual behaviours with the specific positions, and equally importantly for the overall 'fit' with the 'NZ Breakers' culture."
Richard Clarke, General Manager, 'Harvey Norman NZ Breakers', Auckland
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