[Ailist] DiSC versus DISC

Sue Hammond shammond at bendbroadband.com
Mon Nov 19 13:25:52 MST 2007


That's a good question Andi. I'm also an Inscape distributor and I've 
had to try to learn how to answer that question simply. I suspect others 
may do better but here's the deal. DiSC is based on William Martson't 
work (Emotions of Normal People, 1928). The material that DiSC is 
founded on is in the public domain, that's why there are so many 
versions. They are not all the same however because until you look at 
the research reports and the content, you don't know what the actual 
content being used to measure the 4 dimensions is.
For example, there is a new book out on DISC that contains a link to 
their instrument. The book has all kinds of their own research yet this 
instrument reverses the S and the C, something no other DiSC does. It is 
sure to confuse a lot of people and especially when it becomes the 
low-cost option for training.
I signed on to Inscape because I liked all their other assessments. I 
believe all can be used in an appreciative manner with just a little 
tweaking. But since I've joined I've been extremely impressed by the 
company. They have a full time statistician on staff who constantly 
monitors the instruments. In fact, Inscape now offers a new, updated 
DiSC as well as the 'classic'.  They have created some very innovative 
products that incorporate the various assessments. The Listening 
Assessment is my current favorite and they have an awesome 'turn-key' 
program on Improving Your Listening Skills, that you can purchase and 
present.
Anyway, if you are trying to choose an instrument, get the research 
report and read it. Talk to the company or a distributor who knows what 
they are talking about. I have learned to really appreciate DiSC because 
it is so practical and behavioral. I also love MBTI, but that's a bit 
more sophisticated and needs more time. I think Buckingham's 
StrengthFinders is very unique and therefore 'new.' But there aren't a 
lot of support materials to go with it.
Ultimately is it how the instrument is presented and the motivation for 
using it that will make it useful or a waste of money and time.
Sue Annis Hammond

Andi Roberts ONLINE wrote:
> Kate Gilligan mentions DISC versus DiSC
>
> I also see that Blanchard Training also sell a DISC and that also 
> there is an Extended DISC.
>
> What are, if there are any, differences between these competing products?
>
> This is a question out of pure, neutral, interest as even Wikipedia 
> could not shed any light on this for me :-(
>
> Many thanks a curious facilitator, Andi Roberts
>
> Freelance bilingual (Spanish / English) Facilitator-Coach-Consultant
> www.masterfacilitator.com
> _______________________________________________
> The Appreciative Inquiry Discussion List is hosted by the David Eccles 
> School of Business at the University of Utah. Jack Brittain is the 
> list administrator. For subscription information, go to:
> http://mailman.business.utah.edu:8080/mailman/listinfo/ailist
>


More information about the Ailist mailing list