DISC is a behavioural profiling system used to measure patterns of behaviour in the workplace. It identifies tendencies and preferences, such as how people respond to challenges, how they influence others, how they respond to rules and procedures, and their preferred pace of activity. The purpose of DISC profiling is to help people better understand themselves and how they work with others.
The DISC model uses four main reference points:
D = Dominance (direct, demanding, competitive)
I = Influence (gregarious, outgoing, sociable)
S = Steadiness (persistent, patient, sympathetic)
C = Conscientiousness (practical, procedural, precise)
What are the benefits of DISC?
While DISC profiling was originally designed to enhance self-awareness, it provides valuable insights that can be used in the workplace to:
- Inform and improve recruitment, on-boarding, training, sales and leadership programs
- Improve communication and relationships within teams and with customers
- Reduce misunderstandings and conflict
- Provide opportunities for personal development
- Engage and motivate employees
What are the applications of DISC?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the areas in the workplace in which DISC profiling can be particularly beneficial:
Recruitment and HR
Behavioural modelling tools do not assess an individual’s skills or cognitive abilities and should never be used in isolation as a selection tool. However, they can provide insight into how well an applicant might fit the role or company, helping to prevent a bad hire, and assist recruiters with:
- Shortlisting
- Pre-interview profiling
- Interviewing
- Rejection
- On-boarding, integration and understanding company culture
- Redeployment
Management
Since behavioural profiling provides managers with insights into their own style, as well as a crystal ball for predicting the behaviour of others, it is also an extremely powerful tool for managing and motivating existing employees. It can be applied in areas including:
- Team building
- Performance management
- Conflict resolution
- Career development
- Succession planning
- Promotion and job change
Training and development
In addition, DISC profiling helps to identify areas in which an individual is not naturally strong and could benefit from training, or where they could adjust their behaviour when engaging with other personality types.
DISC profiling can also be used to design training programs for specific personality types, providing ‘building blocks’ for courses in such areas such as:
- Selling – adapting your approach according to type
- Change management
- Business planning
- Negotiation
DISC profiling with The Proven Group
Our specialist team is accredited in using DISC profiling to aid the recruitment process and improve workplace relationships and performance.
Some organisations carry out their own assessments but often fail to apply the results effectively. The Proven Group offers half-day and full-day team-building sessions that help you interpret and make the best use of this valuable information to improve relationships and productivity in your business.
Our sessions cover the following topics:
- Why DISC in team-building?
- Recognising and managing DISC characteristics in the workplace
- Matching people with jobs
- Strategies for blending and capitalising behaviour
The Proven Group
The Proven Group provides award-winning services to employers and job seekers in Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat. Our friendly, experienced team have an unmatched reputation for excellence in their fields of expertise and can assist with all aspects of résumé writing, recruitment and human resources. Get in touch to arrange a confidential, no-obligation discussion.
