The DISC profiler is an assessment tool that helps us understand a person’s behavioural style in the workplace from a number of perspectives. These include communication preferences, how they work with others, how they handle challenges and the way they fit into different work environments.
Whilst most commonly used in recruitment, performance management, understanding working relationships and optimising team productivity, DISC also offers benefits to jobseekers or those in the process of career transition.
Some of the advantages of applying DISC assessments to the four phases of career transition applied through our programmes can be highlighted as follows:
1. Separation – A Bend in the Road
Being informed of retrenchment is stressful, but DISC profile insights can ease the process. By understanding an individual’s reaction to change or how they handle pressure, coping strategies can be developed and stress can be managed more effectively.
During the “Separation” phase it is a huge advantage for a person to be reminded of their strengths. This will assist them with focusing their efforts on identifying opportunities for which they are best suited, not only in terms of qualifications and experience, but personality and behavioural requirements as well.
A DISC profile’s insights help the individual stay focused as they re-establish themselves, managing their time wisely in pursuing roles for which they are the closest match.
It can highlight roles and work environments where they can thrive and be more fulfilled and can also be a foundation for personalised development plans, enabling individuals to enhance their strengths and work on areas that may need improvement, from a career development perspective.
2. Preparation – New Horizons
Once participants have completed exercises in identifying their career goals and objectives, part of the “Preparation” phase includes compiling a CV with a relevant summary. The insights generated in a DISC profile provide useful suggestions for adjectives to be used in this important section.
When thinking of accomplishments or achievements to include under each position held, a DISC profile will also help remind them of what they have done well and where they have succeeded, as a result of their behavioural style.
Once a career blueprint has been established, or even if self-employment is being considered, the DISC profile will highlight behavioural strengths that are relevant to the opportunities that are being considered, as well as “weaknesses” for functions that are best “hired out” to others better suited.
3. Communication – Enjoy the Ride
Knowing their DISC profile can be beneficial to an individual during the ”Communication” phase, where the focus is on job interviews and networking meetings. This insight enables them to tailor their communication to better connect with potential employers and colleagues.
Whether their approach to job search is proactive through networking and targeted approaches, or reactive through working with recruiters and responding to advertisements, the DISC profile provides useful answers to questions typically asked relating to their behaviour, such as their communication style, how they handle pressure and how they manage people or like to be managed.
These insights are empowering and help improve telephone techniques, as well as levels of confidence during interviews and networking meetings.
4. Negotiation – New Beginnings
Once they have reached the job offer stage, the “Negotiation” is quite common. By enhancing their self-awareness, a DISC profile will assist them with adapting and improving their communication style, to achieve the desired outcome in a beneficial manner.
Some of the key questions to ask themselves before accepting an offer relate to how the position matches their career objectives, as well as the personalities involved. Understanding their DISC profile during this final phase can lead to better decisions, potentially increasing job satisfaction and engagement in the chosen role.
Whilst the DISC profiler is just one tool among many offering benefits to the jobseeker, the effectiveness of any depends on how well it is integrated into the overall process. Combining it with self-reflection, practical advice and experienced career coaching will provide a more comprehensive and tailored approach to a successful career transition.
DMA Group’s outplacement consultants hold more than 20 years’ experience working with individuals who have been retrenched, have been accredited DISC Profilers since 2006 and are certified in executive and management coaching.
For more information on the tailor-made services we offer in outplacement and career transition, to individuals across all functions and sectors, call us on +27 11 888 9009, email info@dma-group.co.za, or visit www.dma-group.co.za to find out more.
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