The Magic of Behaviour: Unveiling the Parallels Between Everything DiSC and Hogwarts Houses
By the Way (BtW) - this is my opinion, not doctrine. Hope you like it!
I hope this newsletter finds you all well this Monday! I am feeling drained toady. Its the early hours and work starts in a few.
Today, I want to share some enlightening parallels between the world of Everything DiSC and the magical universe of Harry Potter. The idea struck me during a recent trip to London with my daughter Holly, a staunch Potterhead (can I say this?). As we explored the myriad of colours, scarves, hoodies and symbols associated with the Hogwarts houses (see image above), I noticed striking similarities to the various DiSC behaviours and colours that we assess and use at the wonderful Ulster University. As someone who's involved in people development and an approved DISCGB trainer, I couldn't help but dig deeper. The phones camera was clicking away for my research.
What is Disc / Everything DiSC?
Before we jump on our broomsticks, let's establish what Everything DiSC is. Developed by Wiley, Everything DiSC is a research-validated model designed to improve interpersonal skills by focusing on four primary personality styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Much like the different Hogwarts houses, each DiSC style is associated with specific traits and behaviours.
The colour scheme serves as a visual aid only, making it easier to quickly identify and understand the different styles.
Personality or Behavioural?
Everything DiSC is often classified as a behavioural assessment rather than a strict personality test. The key difference lies in the focus:
personality assessments aim to measure innate traits that are usually consistent across various situations
behavioural assessments like DiSC focus on understanding how an individual is likely to behave in specific contexts.
Think of it like piloting an aircraft or a broom; you may have a preferred style, but you adjust based on current conditions. In a workplace or learning environment, understanding these behavioural tendencies is often more actionable for development and communication strategies.
A Deep Dive into DiSC and Hogwarts Houses
Understanding the attributes of these Hogwarts houses and DiSC profiles is akin to an entrepreneur deeply understanding market segments. So, let's break it down -
Gryffindor and Dominance
The red of Gryffindor symbolises courage, bravery, and leadership. These are much like 'D' types in DiSC, who are quick to act and unafraid to take the lead. However, they need to remember that leadership also involves listening.
Hufflepuff and Steadiness
Associated with yellow, Hufflepuff stands for loyalty and dependability. In the world of DiSC, this aligns with the 'Steadiness' profile. These are the individuals who bring teams together, much like the backbone of a start-up.
Ravenclaw and Conscientiousness
Ravenclaw's blue is for wisdom and intellect, much like 'C' types in DiSC, who focus on details and analytics. They are ideal for roles requiring deep analysis or problem-solving.
Slytherin and Influence
Slytherin’s green stands for ambition and resourcefulness, echoing the 'Influence' trait in DiSC. Slytherins are the networkers, the influencers, the ones you want in roles requiring persuasion or external liaison.
By understanding how these Hogwarts houses mirror Everything DiSC profiles, you're better equipped to navigate professional and personal relationships.
Interested in Learning More?
If the magical world of Everything DiSC intrigues you, feel free to reach out to my friend and mentor, Gary, at DISCGB. (https://www.discgb.co.uk/).