BLOG TOPIC #5 The ABCs of DISC

The Personal Profile System was an interesting way to measure the leadership/management behavior of each individual in class. I, myself, had never been exposed to these types of personality tests before, so it was interesting to see how it would turn out for me. While taking the diagnostic test I felt like my results were all over the place; I was trying to find a correlation with the letters which represented different characteristics of my personality. However, I wasn't able to find any relationship. Some characteristics were difficult to choose between because they were so similar.

My results we're in the high D and high C range, with the lowest results in I. This came a bit of a shock to me, because I don't tend to think of myself as such a dominant person. Some of the tendencies don't describe me at all. For example, some of the characteristics of a high D include "getting immediate results" and "making quick decisions." I am not the person to make quick decisions without weighing out the pros and cons, which is interesting because this characteristic is something that a person with a high D needs someone else to do. Also, I may or may not be one of the most indecisive people on this planet, so this characteristic of "making quick decisions" doesn't fall into my personality. That's actually something I would like to improve on, making a decision and sticking to it.

I do agree however with falling under the high C range because I do consider myself a conscientious person. Being an accounting major I am used to "attention to key directives and standards" and also "thinking analytically." "Emphasis is on working conscientiously with existing circumstances to ensure quality and accuracy," I feel like this statement describes me perfectly. I am not the type of person who likes change and I must make sure everything is as accurate and correct as possible. I would say the test got this result right. It almost seems like D and C are the opposite. This is interesting because how can one person be both?

After reading the interpretation sheet, I see myself falling more into the High C and High S category. Looking at the my results on the prior sheet, there wasn't much of a difference between the D and the S category. I see myself fitting into this category because this characteristic describes me, "performing in a consistent, predictable manner." I consider myself somewhat predictable, in a good way, and very consistent. I am not the person to make outlandish decisions. I consider myself to be a "good listener" and "desiring to help others." I take on more of a stable approach in life, nothing too exciting which would need me to make such spontaneous decisions which could impact the future. I am the type of person to weigh out my options and choose what's best based on my own expectations.

Can you become another type? This is interesting because as many people would say "your personality is your personality." I wouldn't try and change your personality, however as one matures I feel like their personality changes. As we get older, I think people are less likely to make those impulse decisions without weighing out their options. This also comes with experience; I feel that by observing others and their mistakes in management we can better ourselves and focus on the characteristics which matter the most.

I think this test is somewhat helpful in determining people's management "type," however I would leave room for self-interpretation. I, myself, am a perfect example. I didn't agree with the results from the personal profile system. I believe that observing an individual's management techniques is the best way to get a true feel for the individual's personality. Also you may be able to get a sense of the person's personality by just asking him/her a few questions.

I feel that a test like the personal profile system would be able to help you in few different ways. For example, if the person came up with results in the high I range, influence, you may think of this person as someone who is able to persuade people in decision making. On the other hand, if someone comes up with results in the high D range, you may want to keep an eye on that person that he/she doesn't make any detrimental decisions that could affect the company. Someone with a high S, should be put on a team because they are the people that show patience and work well with others.

Overall, this was a great experience. As I mentioned earlier, I have never been exposed to these types of personality tests before. It was interesting to see my results on how a test judges my personality and how I see myself. I feel these tests may be a good start to judging someone's personality, however I feel the best way to make conclusions about one's personality is to observe the person in a business-like setting. This test should not make or break someone's decision to hire a future employee.