KVEC

DISC Assessment for

Leaders
February 22, 2017
Welcome and Norms
•Start and end on time (including breaks)
•Allow others to listen
•Share “air time”
•Follow e-manners
•Adhere to the “Come Back Together” cue
•Engage as a collaborative learner
Find a penny…
You will find a bag of pennies on your table.

Select a penny

Go around the table with each participant telling about something that
happened in their life during that year.

Save your penny…you will need it later.

 Let’s Go Shopping!
•Signatures can NOT be from your table
•Circulate around, introducing yourself to anyone you do not know.
•Ask those you talk to if they can sign off on one of the behaviors
•Continue looking for signatures
•Goal is to get as many signatures as possible.

“Behavioral Shopping Spree” Handout

page 1
 Goals for Today
Understand your behavioral tendencies and
develop an understanding of how your behavior
affects others
Respect, appreciate, understand, and value
individual differences
Enhance strategies for working together to
increase productivity
Plan for using DiSC information for continued
growth and improvement
 What is DiSC?
The DiSC model of human behavior was first published in
the 1920’s by Moulton Marston.
As an early pioneer in the field of psychology, he studied
the affect of will and power on personality and behavior.
 William Moulton Marston
Marston’s research led to a number of modern theories,
but he is best known for:
◦ Inventing the polygraph (“lie detector”)
◦ Assisting Universal Studios transition from silent to
talking movies
◦ Serving as an advocate for women’s rights
◦ Creating the comic book heroine Wonder Woman
◦ Developing the original DiSC theory model
 What is DiSC?
DiSC Dimensions of Behavior is a personality profile
system.
It is one of the most successful and widely used personal
and professional development instruments ever created.
It has been used by over 30 million people around the
world and has an acceptance rate of over 95%.
It is a powerful tool that is easy to understand and helps
simplify the complexity of human behavior.
Behavior Is…
Observable
Situationally-based
Flexible
Dynamic
Based on thoughts and beliefs
 Handout
DiSC page 3

Dominance

Influence

Steadiness

Conscientiousness
We can use DiSC to:
• Learn how behavior impacts effectiveness
• Discover behavioral strengths
• Recognize and value behavioral differences in others
and adjust approach for more effective
communication
• Enhance individual performance and contribution to
a team
• Reduce conflict and stress
This is NOT a test…
•You cannot pass or fail the profile
•It is a learning tool
•Assessment FOR learning
•Helps individuals learn of the richness of behavioral
diversity
•Represents POTENTIAL behaviors
Purpose of the DISC Profile
•Gain self-understanding
•Recognize your behavior patterns
•Capitalize on your strengths and minimize
weaknesses
•Improve your relationships with others
There are NO “good” or “bad”
profiles
•DISC is not judgmental
•There are no least or best desirable styles
•All styles have strengths and unique talents and abilities
•Each style also has unique goals, fears, and potential
limitations
Administering the Personal
Profile
•Full attention
•No interruptions
•Don’t overanalyze or second guess your responses

•Think of who you are NATURALLY…when in your comfort

zone
•Research shows that the profile is most accurate when
people respond SPONTANEOUSLY
“When all else fails, read the instructions”
--Jennifer’s Dad

(for the D’s and I’s)

Response Sample
 Tally Box

2 14 -12
3 11 -8
11 1 +10
12 1 +11
Total should be 28 0 1
Graph I-Graph the points from MOST column

2 14 -12
3 11 -8
11 1 +10
12 1 +11
0 1
Graph II-Graph points from LEAST column

2 14 -12
3 11 -8
11 1 +10
12 1 +11
0 1
Graph III-Graph DIFFERENCE
Read
Descriptors for
your highest
point on
Page 7

2 14 -12
Highlight
3 11 -8 phrases
that describe
you
11 1 +10
Delete phrases
12 1 +11 That do not
apply-
but check with
0 1 someone who
knows you first!
Graph III-Dimensionality Index, page 8

2 14 -12
3 11 -8
11 1 +10
12 1 +11
0 1
Page 8
Dimensionality Intensity Index

Rub 3 spaces below and 3 spaces above your number in the intensity
column on graph III

✔ to indicate agreement
X to indicate disagreement
? To indicate doubt
Graph III

5 2 6 3
Achiever
Achiever Pattern
Place your dot on your sticker…
wear it proudly!
 Handout
page 5

Based on what you have heard, and

handouts 3 and 4, make some notes about
your behavior style on Handout Page 5

Take Handouts with you to next activity

Find a Thought Partner in your
group

What surprised you about your

results? What descriptors do you
agree with?

Be prepared to share with whole

group:
It is great being a ___ because…
It is difficult being a ____because…
Office is rearranged over the
weekend…
D-Offended they were not involved in the decision making, have suspicions why
change was made and they were not consulted. Believe they could’ve done better.
i-”This really looks nice, but we really were used to the way it was. Who is sitting
by me now? Let’s go get a cup of coffee and talk about how we are going to make
this work.”
S-”I was just getting used to how everything was. I wasn’t doing anything special
this weekend I could have helped to move the furniture. Did they get paid for
working over the weekend?”
C-Does not say anything. However, after 20 min they come out of their office with
the policies and procedures manual and want to know who authorized the move.
Also want to know if what was done complies with rules and regulations and if
everything was properly documented.
 Shopping for Groceries
D-Impulse shopper, no list
i-Tells you where everything is in the store, whether you ask or not
S-Is prepared, has a list, buys only what is on the list, and gets it
done efficiently
C-Wouldn’t think of going to the store without a list, coupons and
using a calculator (list may be written in the order of the store
layout)
Take notes on these next slides…there will be a quiz!!

Driven
Direct
Decisive
Strong-willed
Self-confident
Daring
Determined
Fast-paced
Motivated by
winning, competition
and success.
Values competency,
concrete results,
personal freedom
D styles and their priorities

DC D Di
◦ Challenge ◦ Results ◦ Action
◦ Results ◦ Action ◦ Results
◦ Accuracy ◦ Challenge ◦ Enthusiasm
D style quote
What’s the point of
playing if winning isn’t
the goal?
– J.D. ROBB
Communicating with a D
Give them the bottom line.
Be brief and speak up.
Focus your discussion narrowly.
Avoid making generalizations.
Refrain from repeating yourself.
Focus on solutions rather than problems.
Charming
Collaborative
Energizing
Trusting
Enthusiastic
Impulsive
Optimistic
Persuasive
Motivated by social
recognition,
group activities, and
relationships
Values coaching and
counseling, freedom
of expression and
individuality
i styles and their priorities

iD i iS
◦ Action ◦ Enthusiasm ◦ Collaboration
◦ Enthusiasm ◦ Action ◦ Enthusiasm
◦ Results ◦ Collaboration ◦ Support
i style quote
Whoever is happy
will make others
happy too.
ANN FRANK
Communicating with i styles
Share your experiences.
Allow them time to ask questions and talk themselves.
Focus on the positives.
Avoid overloading them with details.
Don't interrupt them.
Calm
Patient
Predictable
Deliberate
Stable
Warm
Passive
Loyal
Motivated by
cooperation,
opportunities to help
and sincere
appreciation
Values loyalty, helping

others, and security

S styles and their priorities

iS
CS S
◦ Stability ◦ Support ◦ Collaboration
◦ Support ◦ Stability ◦ Support
◦ Accuracy ◦ Collaboration ◦ Enthusiasm
S style quote
The invariable mark of
wisdom is to see the
miraculous in the common.”
RALPH WALDO EMERSON
Communicating with an S
Be personal and amiable.
Express your interest in them and what you expect from
them.
Take time to provide clarification.
Be polite.
Avoid being confrontational or too aggressive.
Cautious
Systematic
Private
Objective
Analytical
Diplomatic
Accurate
Reserved
Motivated by
opportunities to gain
knowledge, showing
their expertise, and
quality work.
Values quality and
accuracy.
C styles and their priorities

CD C CS
◦ Challenge ◦ Accuracy ◦ Stability
◦ Accuracy ◦ Stability ◦ Accuracy
◦ Results ◦ Challenge ◦ Support
C style quote
It takes less time to do a
thing right than to
explain why you did it
wrong.”
HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW
Communicating with a C
Focus on facts and details.
Explain carefully
Be open to questions and feedback
Provide information in writing
Minimize "pep talk" or emotional language.
Be patient, persistent, and diplomatic.
GETTING ON A BUSY ELEVATOR
D-Walks up, gets on the elevator, and pushes the button that closes the door
i-Lets others in, says, “Always room for one more,” and “Come in, you don’t
want to be late, we will wait for you!”
S-Will wait in line, moving from one line to another, unable to make a decision
C-Will get on the elevator, count the number of occupants, if the number is
over the limit on the certificate in the elevator, will make someone get off.
Time for a Quiz!
Number a piece of paper 1-10
You can use your “Notes”
Use the Celebrity Styles Handout for help

For each Celebrity:

• Identify the behavioral style of that celebrity (D, I, S, C)
• Be prepared to give specific examples of behaviors the
celebrity displays or stories you have heard about the celebrity .
Use your style to plan a trip…
•In like DISC style groups…
•Plan a trip using one sheet of chart paper

•Be prepared to share details!

The D…
Usually go for a dark marker
Go to one place for 2 weeks, conquer it! 
First class EVERYTHING 
Bullet-pointed list 
Always finish the activity first (even though its not a
competition)
The i…..
Divide into small groups, chatting
Those who stay focused on the task usually go for a cruise 
VIP everything!
Multiple colored markers 
Draw pictures
Always reference food and drink! 
The S….
Ask for the rules again
Choose a location for the scenery
Main goal: Relax 
Usually mention family 
Trip will include multiple activities as to not offend anyone
The C….
Use a scratch piece of paper (instead of the flip chart paper)
Discuss travel logistics
Coordinate the time/schedule 
Include what they'll pack and other details about the trip
Strengths Overused Can
Become Weaknesses
D who is good at directing and deciding, may
become autocratic.
i who is good at promoting and persuading, may
oversell and manipulate.
S who is steady and agreeable, may give in
despite their needs.
C who is good at analyzing and checking, may
become perfectionistic and indecisive.
 Handout
page 11-15

When everyone knows each other’s DISC profile, they can

work more effectively together--regardless of the other
person’s patterns.

They know who to assign to each part of a project.

They teach each other how they like to be communicated
with
Platinum Rule
“Do unto others the way THEY would like being done
unto”

Simply stated: ”Treat people the way THEY want to

be treated”
 Handout
page 11-15 Sales Pitch
Pair up with someone you have NOT worked with today…any style.
“Assume the identify” of another style, review the traits of that style
D S

i C

With a partner, select an item from the ”toy bowl”

Using the style you are “role playing”, attempt to sell your toy to your partner.
Debrief sales pitch
What specific actions, language did you use for the style you
were playing?
Talk about any “discomfort” you felt using a style that
wasn’t your own.
What was difficult about this activity?
What are your “take-aways” from this activity regarding
communicating with other styles?
Styles need to be understood
•Understanding and valuing each style helps to reduce stress
and conflict
•Effective work teams need a balance of styles
•By discovering your unique style, you will learn to capitalize
on your strengths, minimize weaknesses, and make a
valuable contribution to your work teams, your family, and
your community.
 Leadership Tool
DiSC profiles provide insight into leading and motivating
individuals in the following areas:
─Communication style
─Motivators/de-motivators
─Dealing with conflict and stress
─Decision-making
─Problem-solving
─Approach to selling
 Thinking about Coaching
Using handout on p.16 of your workbook:
1. Review your Coaching Style (right hand column of the chart)

2. With a Thought Partner who has the SAME DiSC style, what would you
add? Revise?

Handout
page 16
Thinking about Coaching (con’t)
Review the column ”Coaching a…” for your DiSC style,

With same Thought Partner, what suggestions would you make to that
column?

Share highlights of your team’s conversation with a team who has

DIFFERENT DiSC style.
How can you use DISC as a
leader in your school/district?
How does your behavior style contribute to your school/district?
What are your leadership challenges as a D, i, S or C?
How have you been misunderstood?
What would your performance appraisals/evals say is something
you avoid or neglect that would make you a better leader?
What would you like to learn from another style?
Handout
page 18
Reminders
All DiSC styles are equally valuable.
Everyone is a blend of all four styles.
People can adapt their styles
to fit particular situations
or environments.

Success is an individual knowing themselves,

understanding others, and adapting to the needs of the
situation.
As you leave,
Leave a post it note on the letter chart that
represents your behavior style, responding to
this question:

“What will you do next with what you

have learned today?”