What is the DiSC®® Profile?

DiSC® is a self-administering behavioral assessment. The DiSC® behavioral system measures dimensions of observable behavior and is known as the universal language of behavior. Research shows that behavioral characteristics can be grouped into four major “personality styles,” and individuals tend to exhibit specific characteristics common to that particular style.

The DiSC® assessment classifies four dimensions of behavior commonly referred to as:

  • Dominance – expresses actively as power, control, and assertiveness.
  • Influence – expresses actively as outgoing, social, and influencing.
  • Steadiness – expression is more reserved, patient, and thoughtful.
  • Conscientiousness – expression is more reserved, questioning, and analytical.

Who created the DiSC® Model?

The original DiSC® model was originally based on the 1928 work of Dr. William Moulton Marston at Columbia University.

The four-quadrant behavioral model was developed to examine the behavior of individuals within their environmentally specific situations. DiSC® looks at behavioral styles and behavioral preferences. Marston’s 1928 book, “The Emotions of Normal People,” introduced the DiSC® model to the public. Marston, a contemporary of Carl Jung, defined four categories of human behavior style, type, or temperament: Dominance, Influence (Inducement), Stability (Submission), and Compliant, Conscientious, or Caution. Marston used compliance.

Even though Marston developed the D.I.S.C model, the DISC test or assessment, to prove his theory of the emotions of people within their environment, he never copyrighted his disc profile test. Thus DISC is available in the public domain.

Later, the work of Marston was researched and updated by Dr. John Geier and Inscape Publishing (now a Wiley Brand) at the University of Minnesota. The DiSC® model and its complimentary assessment tools have helped over 50 million people in 20+ languages over the last 40 years.

As an added bit of trivia, Marston is known in many circles for his work in developing the lie detector test. He was also the creator, writer, and producer of “Wonder Woman,” which introduced the role model of a strong female into comic strips.

Do I need to be certified to teach DiSC®?

No, DiSC® Certification is not required.

We at Discprofiles4u believe that you, our customers, are capable of presenting DiSC® and other profiles without us. We provide the resources, tools, and training if necessary, and you do the delivery. We respect your abilities, experience, training skills, and insight about your industry and organization. You are invited to customize the materials to fit your needs.

Two types of DISC Training Certification are available: In-Person Classroom and Webinar. 

DISC Training Certification – In-Person Classroom Style

For those of you who are experiential learners or want a classroom experience to develop more confidence and gain credentials for presenting DiSC®, we partner with Wiley (formerly Inscape Publishing), the official publisher of Everything DiSC® products, to offer our customers the only publisher sponsored Everything DiSC® Training Certification available anywhere. Everything DiSC® Products uses the circular model.

Can I use the DiSC® for hiring purposes?

The DiSC® Profile is not a predictive instrument.

It does not precisely determine job fit, job fitness, or success. Instead, it describes one’s work behavior patterns, style, traits, or type. Use DiSC® to manage performance after a person is hired.

Do all D’s, i’s, S’s, and C’s behave the same way?

No! A person’s observable behavior is dependent on the unique combination of styles that they tend to use. The most productive use of DiSC® information is to learn about the DiSC® Classical Patterns. There are 15 possible combinations of behavior. There is generally a primary style and a secondary style. It is the combination of styles that makes us all unique.

Why is the “i” in DiSC® printed in lowercase?

For you curious high C styles, the lowercase “i” in DiSC® is a Wiley trademark—originally a printer’s error. Being flexible and adaptable, Wiley and its predecessors, Inscape Publishing, Carlson Learning Company, and Performax, decided to copyright the mistake and create their version of DiSC® using the small i. Always look for the DiSC® Assessment with the small i. If your version doesn’t have a lowercase “i,” it is not from Wiley. 

Why choose DiSC® by Wiley?

Wiley is a DiSC® leader with Global Reach, providing quality research-based tools. Wiley’s profiles are highly valid and reliable, and they now have a network of 3,000+ Authorized Partners.