Behavioral Profile is nothing more than the pattern of behavior individuals exhibit in response to the stimuli they receive. It’s important to mention that there are different models and classifications of behavioral profiles, but none is better or worse than the other — just different.
It’s also worth noting that studies on behavioral profiles are not new. Great thinkers throughout history have made observations on these patterns. For example, traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine believed that a person's behavior was interconnected with the concept of the four elements (fire, air, earth, and water). In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates believed that temperament was the result of the balance between the four bodily fluids. Later, Carl Jung classified personality into four distinct types: producer, analytical, intuitive, and sensitive.
The Goal: Self-Knowledge
All of these perspectives add valuable insights, but what is the ultimate goal of studying behavioral profiles? Self-awareness and personal development. The idea is to understand how each person behaves in different situations and what emotions are triggered. This self-understanding leads to growth in many areas of life — both personal and professional — by enhancing strengths and minimizing weaknesses.
DISC: The Most Widely Used Method
There are many methods used to assess a person’s behavioral profile, but one of the most popular is the DISC method (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance), created by American psychologist William Moulton Marston. DISC doesn’t define a single behavioral profile for a person — instead, it analyzes and assigns a score across four areas: dominance, influence, steadiness, and compliance.
Dominance
This relates to how an individual deals with challenges and problems. People with a high score in this area are energetic and assertive, though they may also come off as self-centered. Those with a lower score tend to be more conservative and cautious.
Influence
This refers to how individuals interact with others. High scorers are confident and enjoy influencing others through conversation or action. Low scorers may be more skeptical, introspective, or even pessimistic.
Steadiness
This dimension reflects how a person handles change, whether in their personal or professional life. High scorers prefer stability, are calm, and predictable. Low scorers are more adaptable, restless, and sometimes impatient.
Compliance
This area is linked to honesty and how individuals deal with rules and procedures. A high score indicates someone who respects and values structure — systematic and logical. A low score, on the other hand, represents individuals who tend to challenge rules — often independent, and at times, stubborn.
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