DISC and the MBTI® (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator) are widely used in organisations around the world.
DISC has grown immensely over the past two decades and since DISC instruments are provided through multiple vendors, the exact numbers of instruments used is tough to track.
However, it is predicted that the number of each profile sold annually would be very close.
What each of the models have in common is that they both describe visible behaviour.
Here are 4 differences between DISC & MBTI:
1. MBTI Preferences 
MBTI is based around ‘Preferences’. The profiling centres around your personality type being what you prefer when you are focusing your attention.
MBTI Profiling measures personality based on the below preferences:
Introversion- Extraversion:
Orientation to the world around us: Outer world, with others, or inner world with self.
Sensing- Intuition:
Your way of perceiving or gathering information: Real and actual, or looking at patterns and meanings.
Thinking- Feeling:
Decision-making based on careful analysis, or consideration of the impact on others.
Judging- Perceiving:
Approaching the outer world in an orderly, planned manner; or in an impulsive, flexible manner.
2. DISC Behaviour Dimensions
DISC Assessments measure an individual’s behavioural style in a variety of aspects.
The DISC Theory describes personality through four central traits:
Dominance: Approach to Problems
High: New problems solved quickly, assertively, actively. Gets to the bottom-line quickly.
Low: New problems solved in a controlled, organised way. Thinks before acting.
Influence: Approach to People
High: Meets new people in an outgoing, talkative manner. Gregarious and emotional.
Low: Meets new people in a quiet, controlled, reserved manner. Emotionally controlled.
Steadiness: Approach to Work Pace
High: Prefers a controlled, deliberate work environment. Values security of situation.
Low: Prefers a flexible, dynamic, changeable environment. Values freedom of expression.
Compliance: Approach to Procedures
High: Likes things done ‘the right way,’ and says, “Rules are made to be followed.”
Low: Works independently of the procedures and says, “Rules are made to be bent or broken.”
3. MBTI Has A Focus On Personal Inclinations
The MBTI theory is that people experience the world using four main psychological functions being:
- Sensation
- Intuition
- Feeling
- Thinking
MBTI says that one of these functions is most prevalent in a person, for most of the time.
4. DISC Model Describes Behaviour & Interpersonal Interaction
The DISC Theory describes four behaviour styles: D,I,S,C.
DISC says that every person is a combination of all four styles, but most people fall into one or two main style groups.
Contact the HBB Group today to discuss how MBTI Profiling or DISC Profiling can benefit your team!
