The DISC test is a really useful self-assessment that helps you understand your natural areas of strength and weakness and those of others around you; however, many people don’t know that it also plays a key role in earning the respect of others.
Here are the critical takeaways to remember as you use the DISC Test to increase your credibility at work and at home:
- Irritants of each of the DISC personality types
- Acting in ways viewed as inappropriate by other personality types lowers your credibility
- Acting in ways viewed as appropriate by other personality types increases your credibility
- Learning to flex into your weak personality areas is key to building credibility with others
Irritants of each of the DISC personality types
Let me start by saying that, you can take the DISC test, for free. It takes about 10 minutes to complete, and you can immediately download your results.
Here are the irritants of each type of person described in the DISC test:
Dominant (D): are irritated by wasted time
Inspiring (I): are irritated by being forced into following rigid procedures
Supportive (S): are irritated by unnecessary conflict
Conscientious (C) are irritated by jobs done poorly
Acting in ways viewed as inappropriate by other personality types lowers your credibility
Think about it. If you are a high Dominant and you absolutely hate wasted time, how do you feel about an inspiring person who shows up 10 minutes late for a meeting? Their credibility falls dramatically in your estimation. “They couldn’t even be on time for you? They obviously don’t value your time,” you think to yourself.
Or if you are an Inspiring type and you value flexibility You meet someone who demands that you follow the rules exactly every time. In fact, they ask you to please be quiet because they are busy. “These people are boring drones,” you think to yourself. Their credibility falls badly.
How about the Supportive person who meets someone who picks a fight with them. They highly value harmony. So the fighter is dismissed as a non-credible person. They can’t be trusted or listened to because they are bad!
Finally, the Conscientious person is put off by someone who doesn’t respect their rules and who continually does sloppy work. That person has no credibility in the eyes of the Conscientious person.
Whenever you fail to communicate in someone else’s personality type, you lose credibility with them.
Acting in ways viewed as appropriate by other personality types increases your credibility
On the other hand, your credibility shoots up when you behave in ways that others perceive as appropriate.
When you show up to a meeting with a Dominant on time and with an agenda, they are impressed.
Or if you ask an Inspiring person for their ideas, they like you.
Showing personal interest in building a relationship with a Supportive, helps them view you as a good person; someone who is trustworthy.
And making sure you complete a job thoroughly and well will win you big points with a Conscientious person.
Learning to flex into your weak personality areas is key to building credibility with others
The value of the DISC test is primarily about learning to communicate with others more effectively. It’s fine to learn about yourself, but ultimately it’s used for others.
All of us have some of each personality type. Some are stronger than others.
But success means dipping into those areas that are weaker and learning to flex into them so you can be more effective in getting your ideas across.
Here’s what each DISC test personality type wants from you:
- D – be results-focused
- I – be ready to talk about ideas
- S – be personal and relational
- C – be organized and structured
When you act in these ways, your credibility with the other person will go up. Not complicated!
It isn’t easy either, but it’s well worth your time doing because it will greatly increase the respect others feel for you.
In summary:
The DISC test is used to increase your credibility with other people. If you give others what they want and communicate in ways that are viewed by them as appropriate, you’ll win their respect.
Here are the keys to using the DISC test to build your credibility with others:
- Irritants of each of the DISC personality types
- Acting in ways viewed as inappropriate by other personality types lowers your credibility
- Acting in ways viewed as appropriate by other personality types increases your credibility
- Learning to flex into your weak personality areas is key to building credibility with others
Thanks for reading this article on ‘How to use the DISC Test to Increase your Credibility.’ Below are additional resources from Professional Leadership Institute, the global provider of online human resources and leadership tools:
Trevor Throness is a speaker, consultant, and author of “The Power of People Skills.” He is also CEO and Senior Instructor at Professional Leadership Institute.
Find more about “The Power of People Skills” book.
