The Power of Personality Tests: DISC vs. MBTI

Have you ever wondered why you act a certain way in social situations, or why you prefer certain types of tasks over others at work? Personality tests like DISC and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can offer valuable insights into understanding yourself and others better.

The DISC Assessment

The DISC test is often part of preparation for various training courses and is widely used in corporate settings. The model provides a comprehensive understanding of your behavior, how you approach problems, and how you interact with others. Here’s a summary of each personality type:

• D: Dominant: People with this profile are assertive, direct, and high in emotional intensity. They like challenges and immediate results.
• I: Influence: These individuals are optimistic, social, and persuasive. They’re excellent communicators who enjoy inspiring others.
• S: Steadiness: This type values cooperation, reliability, and dependability. They are calm, patient, and prefer stability and routine.
• C: Conscientiousness: Highly detail-oriented, this type focuses on quality, accuracy, and competency. They excel at tasks requiring precision and analysis.

In my case, I fall under the “C” type for the DISC assessment. This means I have an eye for detail, thoroughness, and organization. My approach to tasks is analytical and I often seek evidence or proof before making decisions. In practice, I am not afraid of asking (foolish) questions to gather the information I need.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Unlike DISC, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator classifies your personality based on four dimensions:

• Introvert vs. Extrovert: Determines how you recharge and interact with the world. Introverts often prefer solitude, while extroverts thrive in social settings.
• Sensing vs. Intuition: Focuses on how you gather information. Sensing types rely on their five senses, while intuitive types look for patterns and underlying theories.
• Thinking vs. Feeling: This dimension looks at how you make decisions. Thinking types are more analytical, while feeling types prioritize emotions and values.
• Judging vs. Perceiving: Reflects your approach to life and work. Judging types prefer structure and deadlines, while perceiving types are more flexible and adaptable.

For example, my MBTI profile is INFJ, often known as “the Advocate.” INFJs are compassionate and idealistic, often driven by high moral standards. It is the least common personality type, and some famous INFJs include Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and Marie Kondo.

Investing Time and Money

While the DISC test requires a financial investment, the MBTI can be taken for free online.

Understanding the theory behind these tests is just the first step. Putting these insights into practice is crucial for enhancing communication, productivity, and teamwork.

The Takeaway

Never underestimate the power of understanding your personality traits. The better you know yourself, the more you can achieve—in both your professional and personal life.

Both DISC and MBTI offer unique advantages and perspectives on human behavior and personality. Whether you’re looking to improve team dynamics, boost productivity, or simply understand yourself a bit better, these tests are great sources of information.

Have you taken any of these tests, or perhaps another personality or behavior assessment? What insights have you gained, and how have they affected your personal or professional life? Let’s continue this conversation on LinkedIn.

Resources:

• The 4 DISC Personality Types (Plus 12 Styles with Careers)
• Myers-Briggs Indicator: 16 Personality Types in the Workplace
• Advocate – INFJ Personality
• Free Personality Test – NERIS Type Explorer®

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, and I have no affiliations with the brands mentioned herein.