We recently hosted a guest lecture with LaNissir James all about the Maxwell DISC personality assessment. The live conversation was engaging and insightful, demonstrating how the DISC can help us in our relationships, at work, and in a myriad of other instances. (Interested in watching the recording? Click here!)
As a quick recap, the Maxwell DISC organizes our behavior into four primary categories: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). These categories reveal aspects of our personalities such as communication preferences, leadership abilities, and conflict resolution skills. While we should always keep in mind that personality tests are tools (not oracles), God can use psychology and science to help us better understand ourselves and others.
After MCing the lecture, I reflected on my own personality type (I’m a D) and the nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned from these assessments. D’s function best in independent, challenging environments. D’s crave control and variety in their daily tasks. They are often very goal-oriented, intense, and can be too direct. A lot of that tracks with my personal experience. So, what have I learned? Let’s find out!
My ability to assess quickly is a gift…and a liability.
D’s tend to be decisive and quick thinking. People are always commenting on my ability to cut through minutiae and get to the heart of the matter. While I attribute this ability to many things, some of it is just innate. I trust my judgment and don’t often feel the need to second guess decisions. On the flip side, I must remember to slow down sometimes. My instinct is to act and move forward. I easily become impatient with bottlenecks and red tape. I’ve learned good questions result in good data, which supports good decision-making.
Cultivate Thoughtfulness
D’s are often criticized for caring about a project more than the people behind it. I counterbalance that weakness by cultivating thoughtfulness. I work hard to remember friends’ and co-workers’ birthdays. If someone seems overwhelmed, I offer my help. I use my natural inclination for future-oriented thinking to anticipate others’ needs and offer concrete solutions.
Recognize the Communication Preferences of Others
True to a D’s nature, I am direct and comfortable with confrontation and value clear and honest communication. Others, however, need more time to process information. While I believe directness is essential for best results, I diligently observe others’ communication preferences and adapt as needed.
Celebrate that You’re a “Finisher”
One of the D’s best qualities is that we get things done. We excel at completing tasks. This is one trait I always celebrate! “Finishers” are useful in a million ways and I’m proud to be one of them.
Promote the Achievements of Others
I use my natural insightfulness to promote the achievements of others. When you see someone perform well, say something. Point it out to a larger group. Look for and acknowledge the contribution of your friends or teammates. They’ll always appreciate it, perhaps more than you realize.
In Summary
The four DISC categories—Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C)—provide a fascinating look at how God created each of us. No category is “better” than the other but understanding each one could help you better interact with a friend or figure out your child’s decision-making process. If you’re struggling with someone or something, give the DISC a try. It may provide valuable insight!
