discern[ dih-surn, -zurn ] // verb (used with object)
to distinguish mentally; perceive, recognize as distinct or different.
“Most of our problems stem from personality clashes. Most of our hurts come from personality conflicts.”
Mels Carbonell, How to Solve the People Puzzle
Diversity describes our differences, but does not explain *WHY* we are different. Understanding personality patterns is one of the true keys to improving your relationships and solving the people puzzle! That’s why I created the free DISCernible You™ online personality assessment. Use the results you get from this super simple, 7-minute tool to gain insights you can use to better understand why you do what you do and how you can better communicate with others.
“Self-awareness is essential to success.”
Tony Robbins
If you don’t have at least some basic understanding of both what you do and why you do it, it’s going to be practically impossible to change. As Dr. Roy Baumeister says, self-awareness is a critical component in self-regulation.
In Psalm 119:66, David prays, “Teach me proper discernment and understanding!” The word literally means “taste.” The ability to taste subtle differences in food and drink can be a delightful gift. The same is true of right and wrong according to God’s Word (as in Psalms 119). But it is also true of ourselves—our values, beliefs, motivations, desires, strengths, weaknesses, and more.
When you take the DISCernible You™ personality assessment, you will learn to “DISCern” the various aspects of your behavioral style. Armed with this type of powerful self-awareness, you’ll be on your way to achieving the kind of success that truly aligns with your innermost being.
The History of the DISC Theory
The idea that there are four different personality styles has been around for thousands of years, beginning with Hippocrates. But the real heart of modern theories comes from the early 1900s when there was an explosion of groundbreaking work in the field of psychology. Giants in the field such Sigmund Freud , John B. Watson, Alfred Adler, and Carl Jung all developed theories still studied today.
Meanwhile, in 1928, at the same time all aforementioned experts were studying abnormal psychology to try and extrapolate what is normal, a young Harvard psychologist named William Moulton Marston developed his theory based on the “Emotions of Normal People.” In Marston’s theory, he described a two-dimensional model of behavior based on how we feel about our environment and how we feel about ourselves, resulting in four primary behavioral patterns.
The “D” Behavioral Pattern
Decisive, Direct, Driving, Demanding, Determined, Doer
Fueled by what Marston described as a “dominance” emotion, this emotion drives the “D” type to try and shape their environment by overcoming opposition.
The D motto is “Get It Done!”
The “I” Behavioral Pattern
Inspirational, Impressive, Influential, Irresistible
Driven by what Marston described as an “inducement” emotion (another way of saying “influence” or “persuasion”), this emotion compels “I” types to try and shape their environment by persuading others.
The I motto is “Get Noticed!”
The “S” Behavioral Pattern
Supportive, Stable, Steady, Sensitive, Servant-hearted
Driven by what Marston described as a “submission” (or “supportive”) emotion, this emotion motivates “S” types to adapt to their environment in order to help others succeed.
The S motto is “Get Along…”
The “C” Behavioral Pattern
Cautious, Conscientious, Concise, Competent, Contemplative
Driven by what Marston described as a “compliance” emotion, this emotion drives “C” types to adapt to their environment in order to ensure quality.
The C motto is “Get It Right.”