Liz Factor sent me a personality test in the mail the other day--it wasn't even my birthday--and she was pretty sure I was going to need help.So Mr. Liz CHamel called me the other night, at his wife's request I'm sure.
Now, I've never heard of DISC until very recently, but then my sister-in-law (aka, esfp) asked me about it, and Factor sent me a nifty DISC test book containing a matrix and instructions that would rival anything that NASA could put together.
The universe conspired to put DISC squarely on my radar.
There was only one thing to do: RTFM.
And Factor was right, it was pretty complicated. But I perservered and got some results, narrowed my questions, and put on my best phone voice. CHamel used to administor DISC professionally, by which I might mean for professionals or for money or both, I'm not really sure. But in any case, the man knows his stuff.
I'm going to paraphrase, and probably get it all wrong, and if CHamel is reading this, he can correct me in the comments, but DISC is not just another version of MBTI. DISC is about behavior, modifiable behavior (who knew behavior could be modified), not core psychological structure. Now sure some of our behavior has to do with our core personality but there's at least as much nurture as nature going on with behavior, so we can, well, nurture away and encourage growth in other areas.
The closest I've seen to this in MBTI are a couple of workbooks, the previously reviewed Facets of Type and Multiple Intelligences & Personlity Type, but they are different. Maybe the differences are subtle, but they are definitely there.
For instance, while Mr. Poppins and I are different types on MBTI, INTJ and INTP, we both type as Creative on DISC. Whereas, my brother and I both type as INTJ on MBTI, but on DISC he types as a Perfectionist. What does this mean? Well, that's where CHamel comes in with his nifty explaining powers.
DISC is all about how we get along in groups, but more importantly, it is about how we are perceived to get along in groups. That may sound like splitting hairs but, if you ask me, there's a big gap between the two notions. Because I may feel that I am efficient and you are uncooperative; however, you may feel that I am an a*shole and you are just avoiding a conflict.
Perception is reality.
DISC provides me with the tools I need to change your perception of me and for me to change my perception of you. Sounds like MBTI all over again? Not really. You see, MBTI leaves the individual to extropolate all of the possibilities, DISC spells it out. MBTI says this is who you are. DISC says this is how you are right now and how you can improve.
Of course, some MBTI materials go there. But DISC goes there different. It matters to me because this personality stuff is big and unweildy and, as Diosa is apt to point out, sixteen types for over six billion of myriad culture, environment, and education, has to be a little oversimplified.
I would add that all of those types would be heavily influenced by the types who raised them. An introvert raised by extroverts is going to feel differently about her place in the world than an introvert raised by introverts and if the larger culture values extroversion (United States) or introversion (Switzerland), there's going to be heavy influence there, too. Those influences won't change your MBTI type, but they sure as heck will change your DISC type.
Mixing people is like mixing chemicals and while MBTI is the study of the individual chemicals, DISC is the study of the compounds.
So let's talk more about me, the Creative Pattern:
Persons with the Creative Pattern display opposing forces in their behavior. Their desire for tangible results is counterbalanced by an equally strong drive for perfection, and their aggressiveness is tempered by sensitivity. Although they think and react quickly, they are restrained by the wish to explore all possible solutions before making a decision.
Creative persons exhibit foresight when focusing on projects, and they bring about change. Since individuals with a Creative Pattern have a drive for perfection and demonstrate considerable planning ability, the changes they make are likely to be sound, but the method they choose may lack attention to interpersonal relationships.
Creative persons want freedom to explore, and they want the authority to examine and retest findings. They can make daily decisions quickly but may be extremely cautious when making bigger decisions: "Should I accept that promotion?" "Should I move to another location?" In their drive for results and perfection, Creative persons may not be concerned about social poise. As a result, they may be cool, aloof, or blunt. (DISC Classic, p. 15)
Apparently there's more to it than just that, and CHamel is going to send me a detailed profile for the Creative Pattern just as soon as he gets around to it. (By the way, CHamel, Mr. Poppins tested Investigator on his weak points.) Once that happens, I'll probably try to change my type, although maybe not. I'm getting used to my weak point being that I have the emotional sensitivity of the Borg.
Actually, as an INTJ, I find it hard to find the censure in words such as aloof. But that's just me.
In the meantime, it's nice to know that if I ever run out of books on MBTI, I've got DISC to turn to.
Thanks, Liz. And thank, CHamel. You guys are great.

Recent Comments