DISC Profiles: The Key to Building a Harmonious Small Business Team
When small businesses scale, recruiting the right people is paramount. But how do you ensure team cohesion, complementary skills, and shared vision? One invaluable tool stands out: the DISC profile assessment. In this article, we delve into the significance of DISC profiles and how understanding them can set your team up for success.
What is the DISC Profile?
DISC, an acronym for Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness, is a behaviour assessment tool that evaluates four primary traits of individuals. By determining an individual’s primary trait, employers gain insights into their work style, communication habits, and potential fit within the team.
The DISC profile traces its roots back to Dr. William Marston, an American psychologist and inventor, who in 1928 published “Emotions of Normal People.” Marston’s work did not aim to create an assessment tool, but rather to understand human behaviour and emotions.
His theory proposed four primary personality traits: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). It wasn’t until the 1950s and 60s that these foundational principles were developed into the DISC assessment tool we know today, serving as a cornerstone in personality testing, team building, and interpersonal communication in various professional settings.
Breaking Down the DISC Components:
- Dominance (D)
- Characteristics: People with a high “D” score are confident, risk-takers, and problem solvers. They thrive on challenge and results.
- Famous Example: Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., known for his assertiveness and drive to innovate.
- Influence (I)
- Characteristics: Those with a high “I” score are social butterflies—energetic, enthusiastic, and persuasive. They excel in collaborative settings and are effective communicators.
- Famous Example: Oprah Winfrey, a television mogul and philanthropist, embodies the “I” trait with her magnetic charisma and ability to connect with people.
- Steadiness (S)
- Characteristics: People who score high in “S” are calm, patient, and reliable. They value consistency and prefer predictable environments.
- Famous Example: Mother Teresa showcased her “S” trait by dedicating her life to service, consistently advocating for peace and stability.
- Conscientiousness (C)
- Characteristics: Those with a high “C” score are analytical, detail-oriented, and systematic. They value accuracy and are often perfectionists.
- Famous Example: Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook, exemplifies the “C” trait with his meticulous attention to detail and emphasis on systemized growth.
Why DISC is Crucial for Small Business Growth:
- Enhanced Team Cohesion: Understanding DISC profiles allows employers to place individuals in roles that align with their natural tendencies, ensuring better job satisfaction and reduced friction.
- Targeted Recruitment: When gaps are identified within a team, businesses can recruit individuals with specific DISC profiles to fill those gaps, creating a balanced team dynamic.
- Improved Communication: Recognizing an employee’s primary trait can drastically improve communication. For instance, a “D” profile individual might prefer direct communication, while an “S” profile individual might appreciate a more empathetic approach.
- Tailored Training & Development: By understanding the strengths and weaknesses associated with each profile, training can be customized to address areas of improvement.
In Conclusion
DISC profiles aren’t just another HR buzzword—they are foundational tools for building robust and harmonious teams. Especially in small businesses, where every hire significantly impacts the company culture, understanding DISC can be the difference between a cohesive team and a disjointed one.
For any entrepreneur committed to growth, integrating DISC profiling into the recruitment and team development process is a strategic move. Remember, the strength of your business lies in the collective power of your team. Make every hire count!
Looking to leverage DISC profiles for your small business team’s success? Connect with Jamie our small business coach today and learn how to seamlessly integrate DISC assessments into your hiring process.
Jamie Morgan is a small business coach and marketing mentor working with companies across Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey face-to-face. He also works with business owners on a 1-2-1 basis across the globe via Zoom.
