DISC Model
William Moulton Marston (1893-1947) was a versatile figure: a lawyer, psychologist, and the creator of the DISC model, as well as the Wonder Woman comic. Born in Cliftondale, Massachusetts, Marston was a physiological psychologist who made significant contributions to behavioral psychology. He gained prominence through his invention of the first functional lie detector polygraph, which received federal government approval and was adopted by the legal system.
Development of the DISC Model
One of Marston’s most enduring legacies is the DISC model, detailed in his book “Emotions of Normal People.” He was fascinated by the emotional and behavioral patterns of the average person rather than psychological pathologies. Marston posited that human emotions dictate behavioral variations, with individual perceptions of self in various environments shaping four primary personality types: Dominance (D), Inducement (I), Submission (S), and Compliance (C).
The Evolution of DISC Assessments
The practical application of the DISC theory in the workplace was pioneered by industrial psychologist Walter V. Clarke. Clarke developed an assessment tool that allowed individuals to identify behaviors they resonated with, using parameters rooted in Marston’s principles. This tool initially intended for business recruitment evolved over the decades.
A significant revision came when John Geier developed the Personal Profile System (PPS), refining Clarke’s model. Geier’s system offered a detailed breakdown of 15 behavioral patterns, increasing the tool’s psychological depth and utility. In 1994, Inscape Publishing enhanced the model’s reliability, producing the PPS 2800 Series, later known as DiSC Classic. This iteration provided detailed narrative analysis and feedback on the four personality traits, helping individuals understand and improve their interactions in various environments.
Modern Applications of DISC
In 2007, the Everything DiSC model was introduced. This version was highly personalized, allowing for customized feedback and unlimited follow-up reports. Its visual representation of personality traits through a circular diagram made the results more accessible and engaging, aiding users in quickly grasping their behavioral tendencies.
Further advancements led to the development of MyEverythingDiSC.com, an online platform that offers adaptive testing for more accurate results. The Everything DiSC suite also includes specialized tools like the Everything DiSC Work of Leaders and Everything DiSC 363 for Leaders, which provide insights into leadership styles and interpersonal dynamics, enhancing leadership capabilities and human resource management.
Legacy of William Moulton Marston
Marston’s contributions to psychology, particularly through the DISC model, continue to influence various fields, from corporate training to personal development, underlining the lasting impact of his innovative approach to understanding human emotions and behaviors.
