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Using the DISC framework to build for Startup teams
Why William Moulton Marston’s behavioural model supports founding teams
William Moulton Marston was a psychologist and inventor who is best known for developing the DISC assessment, a tool used to measure an individual’s behavioural style. The DISC assessment is based on the premise that all individuals exhibit certain behaviours and characteristics, which can be categorized into four primary types: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. These types are represented by the acronym DISC, and they correspond to different ways of interacting with others and handling situations.
In the context of startups, the DISC assessment can be a valuable tool for assessing founding team members. With startups experiencing high-stress in high-risk environments, it is important for founding teams to have a diverse range of skills and personalities in order to succeed. The DISC assessment can help to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each team member, as well as how they are likely to respond to different situations.
One of the primary benefits of the DISC assessment is that it provides a common language for team members to use when discussing their behavior and communication style. This can be especially useful in a startup environment, where team members are often working closely together and need to be able to effectively communicate and collaborate. By understanding each other’s DISC type, team members can tailor their communication style to better suit the needs of their colleagues and work more effectively as a team.
Another benefit of the DISC assessment is that it can help to identify potential conflict points within the team. Different DISC types may have different approaches to problem-solving or decision-making, and this can lead to misunderstandings or disagreements. By understanding the DISC type of each team member, leaders can anticipate potential conflicts and work to resolve them before they become major issues.
In addition to helping to identify strengths and weaknesses and facilitating communication, the DISC assessment can also be used to help team members develop their skills and abilities. By understanding their own DISC type, team members can better understand their natural tendencies and work to develop areas where they may be weaker. This can be especially useful for startup founders, who are often required to wear many hats and may need to develop skills in areas that are not their natural strengths.
Overall, the DISC assessment is a valuable tool for assessing founding team members in the startup environment. It provides a common language for team members to use when discussing their behavior and communication style, helps to identify potential conflict points, and can be used to help team members develop their skills and abilities. By using the DISC assessment to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each team member, startup leaders can create a more cohesive and effective team, increasing the chances of success for their startup.
