What Is Everything DiSC and How Is It Different from Other Assessments?

Quick Answer:
Everything DiSC is a research-backed behavioral assessment that measures an individual's preferences and tendenices, and helps them understand how they communicate and work. Unlike personality or typology tests, DiSC translates insight into daily action you can actually use at work and at home.

Everyone has a unique DiSC style. No one style is better or worse than the next. When people know themselves and others better, they can show up as their true selves in the workplace. When these characteristics are assessed and harnassed, better communication and healthier workplace cultures become possible. Click here to explore the profiles!

For over 25 years, I've used assessments in almost every way possible: candidate screening, training, leadership development, succession planning, employee relations, one-on-one coaching, organizational analytics, and more. I've learned that assessments are fascinating, but many are complicated and most leave people thinking, “Okay… now what?” That’s what makes DiSC different. It's simple and immediately practical. Within 20 minutes, learners start applying it to their conversations, meetings, coaching sessions, and team experiences.

FAQs:

1. Who invented the DISC model?
Dr. William Moulton Marston laid the theoretical groundwork in his 1928 book, Emotions of Norrmal People. And, that title should tell you something. His theory is simple to understand, but robust enough to explain basic human interaction on many levels.

And, here's a fun fact. At the encouragement of his wife and in a time when comic books were filled with superpower-endowed male characters, Marston created Wonder Woman! She was a new kind of superhero, one who would conquer not with her fists or firepower, but with love. I think that says a lot about his philosophy of understanding and appreciating the DiSC styles of those around you.

2. What does DISC stand for?
DISC gives people a quick and intuitive way to understand themselves. The simple yet powerful model describes four behavioral styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness.

3. What makes DISC unique?
DISC focuses on observable behavior like how people respond to challenges, pace, people, and rules rather than internal traits or labels. It’s also adaptive. With practice, you can develop any style and that's essential for building relationships, handling tense situations, influencing others, working on teams, selling to diverse customer groups, and leading others.

4. What is Everything DiSC?
A few publishers have turned the model into an assessment. Wiley publishes one of the most robust and widely available versions called Everything DiSC. Their Profiles help individuals learn to apply DiSC in the workplace, in conflict, to be more agile and emotionally intelligent, as a manager, as a senior leader, and in sales roles. The popular Everything DiSC circle provides a quick way for learners to understand themselves and how they compare to their colleagues.

One of the best features of Everything DiSC is Catalyst - an online learning platform that learners use long after a workshop to get personalized tips for working with others. Learners can compare themselves to their colleagues, create group reports, and generate their own micro-learning experiences based on their unique styles and needs.

5. Is DiSC personality-based like Myers-Briggs or Enneagram?
Not exactly. Those describe personalities or preferences. DiSC measures behavioral tendencies in context. It’s not about putting people in boxes. It’s about giving them a shared language to celebrate their strengths, to talk about differences, and to collaborate more effectively with their colleagues.

6. Is DiSC valid and reliable?
Yes. Everything DiSC is built on decades of research, validated by Wiley, and continuously refined. Each profile uses adaptive testing for higher accuracy and personalized results.

7. Can I use Everything DiSC for screening job candidates?
That is not recommended. DiSC is a behavioral assessment and we all know that someone can show up one way in a job interview and adapt to become a different person once they are hired. My favorite candidate screening tool is PXT Select. Check it out here.

8. How do organizations use Everything DiSC?
Teams use DiSC to improve communication and collaboration. Leaders use it to coach, delegate and give direction, and to create a motivating environment for others. Organizations use it to understand their workforces, to simplify learning and development, to effectively implement change, and to build healthier workplace cultures.

9. Is there a certification program for Everything DiSC?
Yes! It's a great way to build your knowledge, toolkit, and confidence in using Everything DiSC in your organization. Click here for more details and to get started.

👉 FREE Download: Click here to get Assessments Made Easy where I share 10 questions to ask when choosing assessments plus a side-by-side comparison of my clients' favorite tools. Choose the right assessment based on your goals.