When to Choose Myers-Briggs vs. DISC

Perhaps you’re ready to learn more about what motivates you, how you naturally show up to others, and why you experience the emotions you do. Two of the most common preference tests available are the Myers-Briggs (MBTI) and DISC. Even if you’re familiar with what each measures, you may question which one is best for your situation.

Both tests measure specific innate preferences, while acknowledging that people can and do choose behaviors different to their preferences because of external pressures and factored outcomes. However, when people are free to choose without constraints, they act in predictable ways. Awareness of your personality attributes and behavioral preferences are useful for career and job selection, team-building, and leadership.

D-I-S-C

The DISC personality profile is a two-dimensional behavioral assessment best suited for those who are starting to learn more about themselves and how they naturally show up to others. As a logical first step, it measures how out-going (faster paced) versus reserved (slower paced) you prefer to be as well as whether your engagement is more task- versus people-oriented. Your survey answers report both your natural tendencies and how much you adjust those preferences based on your environment.

The advanced reports highlight useful strategies in working with and leading people who are not of similar types and the pitfalls of overusing your preferences. DISC gives you a framework on how to understand others and self-adjust your behaviors to maximize connection and ultimately results.

Myers-Briggs

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a more complex preference model with two levels of self-understanding. Step I focuses on the macro view of four personality types which are (1) introversion – extroversion, (2) sensing – intuitive, (3) thinking – feeling, and (4) judging – perceiving. With 16 possible personality type combinations, there is more to unpack and more depth analysis as compared to DISC.

Step II takes Step I to a deeper level by exploring 5 facets under each of the 4 trait combinations. For those looking for rich and complex insights into their personal preferences, Step II provides that insight. Myers-Briggs is a powerful resource for personal reflection and on how to collaborate with others of different types to drive results.

Why DISC or Myers-Briggs?

Today’s workplace is abuzz with Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). Although most people think of age, sex, and ethnicity as the areas to focus their D&I efforts, the more savvy work cultures realize that diversity and inclusion also capture differences in personality types. Inclusion integrates and celebrates the different contributions of those who prefer extroversion, introversion, sensing, intuition, thinking, feeling, etc. Step into inclusion by taking a DISC or Myers Briggs preference assessment.

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About the Author: Sandra Dillon is a professional coach with an extensive background in leadership and business coaching. She administers DISC® and Myers-Briggs/MBTI® testing, designs and facilitates workshops, and coaches both individuals and teams. She has a passion to help people be the best versions of themselves. You can learn more about Sandra or engage her as your coach by reaching out to her at coach.sandra.dillon@gmail.com or by visiting her website at www.shinecrossings.com

Why You Should Take the Myers-Briggs Preference Test

You may have heard people share their Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) 4-letter code and wondered (1) what would it measure about me and (2) how could I use the information. MBTI measures how a person prefers to (1) take in or gather information, (2) make decisions and come to conclusions, (3) direct and receive energy, and (4) organize and approach the world. Although people routinely choose behaviors opposite of their natural preferences, knowledge of preferences can explain the source of personal satisfaction and discord among colleagues and family. The power of preferences allows people to make more informed choices.

What Does MBTI Measure?

MBTI measures aspects of your core personality and how you are naturally wired, independent of your circumstances and environment. With four pairs of opposite dimensions, there are a total of 16 personality combinations. The four opposing personality traits are:

Extroversion (E) – Introversion (I)

[where you get your energy]

Sensing (S) – Intuition (N)

[how you take in information]

Thinking (T) – Feeling (F)

[how you make decisions]

Judging (J) – Perceiving (P)

[how you approach your world]

These four dimensions are used to create your 4-letter preference code. MBTI is a reliable and valid instrument where 2/3 of all people have the same letter designation when they retake it more than once. [Note: I have taken the MBTI in my 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s and self-validated as an ENTJ each time.]

How Would I Use My Results?

People use their MTBI results to improve individual performance as well as to work more collaboratively in teams. MBTI can be helpful in a variety of life situations:

• Work Style
• Decision-Making
• Reaction to Stress
• Communication Style
• Leadership Style
• Approach to Change
• Team Style
• Conflict Style
• Career Preferences

With greater self-awareness and understanding of your personal preferences you can:

• Improve communication and teamwork as you gain awareness of the personality differences you see in others
• Work more effectively with those who may approach problems and decisions very differently than you
• Navigate your work and personal relationships with more insight and effectiveness
• Understand your preference for learning and work cultures and the activities and work you most enjoy
• More successfully manage every day conflicts and stresses that work and life can bring
• Achieve greater satisfaction by choosing a job or career that aligns with your preferences

How Can I Learn My Results?

A Certified Myers-Briggs® Administrator can send you a link to take an online survey after determining what report would be of most interest. After you take a 20- to 30-minute survey, the administrator will receive your results, schedule a coaching session to unpack your report, and help you determine how you might want to apply the knowledge.

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About the Author: Sandra Dillon is a professional coach with an extensive background in leadership and business coaching. She administers DISC® and Myers-Briggs® testing, designs and facilitates workshops, and coaches both individuals and teams. She has a passion to help people be the best versions of themselves. You can learn more about Sandra by visiting her website at www.shinecrossings.com or by reaching out to her at coach.sandra.dillon@gmail.com

Why Should You Take a DISC Assessment?

You may have heard of the DISC Behavioral Profile but unsure what it measures or what value it could have as a life tool. The DISC assessment is a simple, powerful, and practical tool to (1) understand yourself, (2) explain why people respond to you in the ways they do, and (3) provide strategies in influencing others in more positive ways.

What Does DISC Measure?

DISC is an assessment that measures your preferred behaviors without external pressures as well as the behaviors you choose in various work and life situations. DISC is a relatively simple behavioral model, because it measures two dimensions and the degree to which you are:

Outgoing/Faster Paced vs. Reserved/Slower Paced

People-oriented vs. Task-Oriented

With two dimensions, there are four possible outcomes of behaviors which are represented by the letters D-I-S-C. No behavior is better or worse than another or more or less valuable. Teams typically need a combination of all behaviors to be most effective.

Dominant: doer, determined, decisive, demanding, and direct

Inspiring: interactive, impressionable, influencing

Supportive: steady, stable, stat-quo

Competent: cautious, conscientious, careful, contemplative

Although people are a mixture of all traits, they typically have a preference for one or two as they interact with their world and others.

How Would I Use My Results?

People use their DISC learnings to improve individual performance as well as to work more collaboratively in teams. DISC learnings can be helpful in a variety of life situations:

• Choosing careers, jobs, and work cultures
• Selecting effective communication styles and techniques
• Strengthening outcomes in conflict situations
• Leading and managing teams

With greater personal insight into themselves and how preferences work within relationships, people can make better choices in both their work and home lives. Leaders who are empowered with DISC tend to reserve judgment, become more accepting of differences, and choose behaviors that are more effective with their teams.

How Can I Learn My Results?

A DISC administrator can send you a link to take an online survey after determining what report would have the most value for your situation. After completing the 20-minute survey, DISC will email you your custom report. I recommend clients schedule a one-hour session to unpack the results and put the power of their knowledge to work.

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About the Author: Sandra Dillon is a professional coach with an extensive background in leadership and business coaching. She administers DISC® and Myers-Briggs® testing, designs and facilitates workshops, and coaches both individuals and teams. She has a passion to help people be the best versions of themselves. You can learn more about Sandra or engage her as your coach by visiting her website at www.shinecrossings.com or by reaching out to her at coach.sandra.dillon@gmail.com

Negotiation: What Questions Are You Asking? And Why?

I’m a business, sales, and leadership coach, so I ask a lot of questions. Why? Because it’s my profession, and I get paid to ask questions. In all seriousness, I find people spend more time assuming, telling, and trying to convince as opposed to asking the right questions. You might ask, “Would you tell me more?” If so, you’re now getting the hang of it.

What do questions have to do with good negotiating? Their value is delivered in the answers, the insights and information, the other person shares that helps your negotiation strategy.

What are good questions to ask? There are different types appropriate for different stages of the negotiating process. General open-ended questions give you valuable information, because they allow the other party to express his or her opinions.

1. What’s been your experience with…[insert product, service, supplier, etc.]?
2. What do you think of…?
3. How do you feel about…?

Depending on the answers, you may follow with more direct questions to pinpoint specific information such as dates, money, etc. These questions may include:

1. Who is involved in the decision-making process?
2. When will the decision be made?
3. What budget range did you have for this project?

The conversation can be brought full circle when you use paraphrasing questions that help ensure agreement in your understanding.

1. You believe you could decide by [insert date], if I provide the product specifications and price by [insert date]?
2. You could issue a purchase order, if our price proposal was in the [insert price range]?
3. You believe the product will work in this application, if we can get it to [insert performance criteria]?

Questions are powerful tools to help the negotiating process move forward. I’ve observed some salespeople make a pitch, pause, and wait for the customer to say something without a question even being asked.

If asking questions is not one of your refined skills or in your comfort zone, try practicing in other areas of your life and let it carry over into your work. Go to a party, introduce yourself to people you don’t know, and make a point to ask questions. Use the 80/20 rule. Use 80% of your words for asking questions and only 20% for answering someone else’s questions.

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About the Author: Sandra Dillon is a professional coach with an extensive background in leadership and business coaching. She administers DISC® and Myers-Briggs/MBTI® testing, designs and facilitates workshops, and coaches both individuals and teams. She has a passion to help people be the best versions of themselves. You can learn more about Sandra or engage her as your coach by reaching out to her at coach.sandra.dillon@gmail.com or by visiting her website at www.shinecrossings.com