Disc Assessment Tools

DISC assessment identifies potential problems in the workplace before they start.workplace image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com

DISC assessment is a form of personality profiling that uses four categories, dominant, influential, steadiness and conscientious. The profile categorizes test takers under one of the four headings based on their answers. Each category contains a personality description, including how well each personality type works with others and how they formulate long-term goals. This particular type of personality test is often used in corporate and other workplace situations.

Personality Types

The four categories used in DISC assessment are dominant, influential, steadiness and conscientious. The personality traits associated with each category relate mainly to the test taker's work ethic and ability to relate to others. Dominants are usually independent and driven workers, but they are not very conscience of those around them. Influential types are optimistic and creative, but tend to be poor at time management. Steady people are consistent and flexible but need time to adjust to change. Conscientious people are logical perfectionists who work toward the big picture, but they can have a tendency to be standoffish and even antisocial.

There are various companies that offer an online DISC assessment tool, such as Inscape Publishing and Assessment Businesss Center. The tests are taken online and the results are instantly available.

Having employees take a personality test can be very helpful in determining how management interacts with and motivates them, but only if management learns to interpret the test results. There are free online resources available that outline the differences between the four personality categories and offer advice on how best to interact with each type of person. For instance, Changing Minds suggests that managers clearly define goals and provide ongoing support to those who fall in to the steadiness category. For dominants, they suggest providing evidence to support claims. Be prepared when approaching a conscientious worker and use motivation to keep an influential worker on task.