The DiSC profile is highly valid. Validity indicates whether the test measures precisely what it is supposed to measure. Reliability means whether it measures it consistently. Reliability in the DiSC test is much more challenging to measure since personality changes over time and differs from one environment to another. However, the results are consistent when taken within the same period and when focusing on the same environment.

The DiSC Personality Assesment itself is culturally consistent, as the basic elements of personality are present in all cultures. However, the way these elements are viewed may be different from culture to culture. For example, Dominance may be revered in one culture but looked down upon in another. However, the presence of Dominance in a personality is still present and measured by the DiSC assessment. Overall, the DiSC assessment and report are culturally consistent and compatible.

One’s DiSC style will likely change in three ways:

• Environment – When you think about your personality style in different situations, it probably differs in some ways from when you’re at work to when you’re at home or out with friends. This is true of most people. It’s important when taking a DiSC test to think about a specific environment when answering the questions, instead of answering them in a more generalized way. This is the best way to see the differences in your style between environments.
• Stress – When assessed during times of stress or when you are uncomfortable in a particular environment, your DiSC style results will reflect that stress and uncertainty. This can cause unique patterns in the graphs, such as overshifts or undershifts. When assessed again at a less stressful time in that environment, your graphs are likely to change.
• Time – It’s not uncommon for one’s personality style to change over time, as we learn, grow, change and increase our behavioral intelligence and self-awareness. If you take a DiSC personality assessment periodically, you may notice differences in your style over time and in different environments.

Although it’s unusual for a person’s core DiSC personality type to change over time, behavior is more fluid. People often alter their outward DiSC or communication style over time through learning, experience, and adapting to different situations. The most significant change typically occurs in the first DiSC graph because this measures our style’s external expression.

The degree to which a person’s style may change over time is related to how they deal with daily pressures and their willingness to grow and adapt.

Your DiSC graph may consist of opposing values (i.e., D-S or i-C). Most combinations of styles are referred to as “style blends” because each DiSC type blend tends to shape or modify the other expressed styles.

For example, when a C is blended with an S, you often find a more measured and deliberate person. They are perfectionists that hold others to a high standard. When a C is blended with a D, you often find a person who can make quick decisions when presented with information. They are still perfectionists but also place a high value on acting quickly and efficiently.

Sometimes, opposing styles don’t blend. Instead, the individual will find that they move from style to style depending on the situation. The i-C will have the ability to research, analyze, and study but can quickly turn around and present their findings to others with great verbal skill. The D-S will want to move swiftly and decisively, while another part of them wants to slow down and spend some time thinking.

Opposing styles are usually a learned or adaptive response to the environment or an experience. For example, a high I style will learn to be more analytical after losing a big account due to a spelling error. A high S will learn to be more assertive as the oldest sibling after his/her parents pass away.