DISC Personality Test: How to Reduce Conflict and Control Your Money

Why is it that you automatically click with some people, while others seem to grate on your last nerve? Or, why do you love social situations, while your spouse would rather spend Saturday with a good book? And, why do you make financial decisions in a day, while your friend needs a month to research all the options?

Because we’re all different. And that’s perfectly fine—our differences are what make us unique and interesting. But they can also lead to conflict within our personal and professional relationships. They can even affect the way we spend and save our money.

That’s why understanding your personality type is so important. When you understand yourself—and the people around you—you can relate in a kinder, more compassionate way. Plus, you can improve the way you handle your hard-earned cash.

One of our favorite personality tests is the DISC personality assessment. It’s a simple survey that explains a lot about you. In fact, everyone at Dave’s office (all 600-plus team members) takes it during the interview process and then displays the results on their desks.

Knowing each other’s DISC profile makes working together easier and more cooperative. Here’s how you can use DISC to improve your relationships at home, at work, or in your community:

What Is the DISC Personality Test?

DISC is the leading personal assessment tool used by millions of people around the world to improve the way they communicate. Unlike aptitude tests or other personality tests, DISC focuses on the behavioral differences that lead to difficulties in life and how to find common ground with others.

The DISC personality test provides an easy to understand system of measurement with only four personality types: D, I, S and C.

What Are the Four DISC Profile Types?

• Decisive
• Interactive
• Stabilizing
• Cautious

We’re each a combination of the four DISC personality types—with a few letters typically rising to the top. Read through the following strengths, weaknesses and money management styles for each. Then take the online DISC assessment to get your full report and share it with others!

D Strengths:

People who are high D are great at making decisions. They can cut through the clutter and dive into new and exciting challenges without hesitation. They’re hard-charging, focused on getting the work done, and great at solving problems.

D Weaknesses:

While high D’s are masters of charging ahead, they can run over people in the process—accidentally of course. And they can hurt feelings with their often blunt, direct manner. When it comes to details, D’s tend to overlook the small things in favor of the big picture and getting the job done.

D’s and Money:

High D’s are confident when it comes to making big money decisions. They’re ready to pounce if they see a great deal—even when others get stuck in the details. During budget conversations, however, D’s can dominate instead of making it a team effort. They can also gravitate toward risky investments and impulse purchases.

I Strengths

People with a high I ranking tend to be people-oriented, fun-loving and outgoing. They’re the life of the party and always ready for an adventure. And they can also be extremely persuasive and expressive when sharing ideas.

I Weaknesses:

High I’s may become overly concerned with people-pleasing. They can get caught up in performance and how others perceive them. They can also lose focus on the task at hand, and gravitate toward what’s new and next if things get boring.

I’s and Money:

Where money is involved, I’s tend to be charitable and generous—treating friends and family to dinner or throwing expensive parties for loved ones! They also, however, tend to forget about long-term money goals in favor of immediate wins (or whims). Creating a budget can feel restricting to a high I, rather than freeing (even though it gives them permission to spend within reason!).

S Strengths:

People who are high S are the ultimate team players. They are unbelievably loyal, steady and patient. When they’re given a task, you can bet they’ll complete it on time and with precision. They’re also extremely perceptive when it comes to how others are feeling about decisions.

S Weaknesses:

People who are high S tend to dislike conflict—okay, they run from it like a grizzly bear is chasing them. They can also be slow to make decisions, because they fear choosing incorrectly.

S’s and Money:

As far as budgeting, high S’s value the input of their spouse and family. They’re reliable and responsible. They’re also superb at sticking to their budget. High S’s, however, may stay “too safe” when it comes to their money. For example, they may choose only slow-growing mutual funds instead of diversifying their portfolio with a healthy mix of funds.

C Strengths:

People who are high C love details. They live for them! They believe directions and rules are made to be followed. And they’re excellent at analytical thinking, research and processes.

C Weaknesses:

People who are high C can seem rigid and inflexible at first. That’s because they want all the facts before they’ll buy in to something new and unknown. They may lack patience for dreamer types who are eager to jump in without as much context.

C’s and Money:

High C’s don’t miss a beat when it comes to budgeting. They know exactly what’s what. They can, however, get too focused on penny-pinching and get frustrated if anyone goes over budget—even by a few dollars. They don’t like losing control, and they can forget the fun aspects of spending money as well.

How the Different DISC Personality Types Interact

Can you see how the differences in each of the personality types can impact your daily interactions with coworkers, friends and family? For instance, the S decides on things slowly, making sure everyone agrees, and the D makes quick decisions and doesn’t always think about others’ feelings. I’s are ready to head out on vacation without a plan, while C’s need to research every last hotel, flight and restaurant before making their choices.

You deserve to win at work. Our new book and assessment will show you how.

Personality conflicts are nothing new. But imagine if you could reduce unnecessary stress with a simple personality assessment. The more you know about yourself and those around you, the better you’ll be at communicating and controlling your money.

Ready to find out more about yourself and how you relate to others? Answer a few, simple questions with the DISC assessment, and prepare yourself for some serious aha moments!