Difference between DISC and Everything DiSC®
You've heard about DISC assessments. Maybe your company's considering implementing personality testing for better team dynamics. But then you discover something called Everything DiSC®. What's the difference?
Let me clear up this confusion once and for all.
DISC Training Test
After twenty years of working with organisations across the UK, countless teams struggle with this exact question. They want to improve communication and boost productivity, but they're not sure which assessment tool will deliver results.
Both approaches stem from the same foundational theory. However, they've evolved quite differently. Understanding these differences could transform how your team works together.
The Foundation: Dr. William Moulton Marston's Legacy
Both assessments trace back to psychologist Dr. William Marston's 1928 work, "Emotions of Normal People." Marston identified four primary behavioural styles that still form the core of personality assessment tools today.
These styles - Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness - represent different ways people approach tasks and relationships. Think of them as natural preferences, like being left-handed or right-handed.
William Moulton Marston was the creator of the systolic blood pressure test, which later became a key component of the modern polygraph, developed by John Augustus Larson in Berkeley, California1. Marston went on to pursue a career in entertainment and comic book writing, while also contributing essays on popular psychology. In 1928, he published Emotions of Normal People, a book that further developed his DISC theory. Later in his career, with approval from his publishers, Marston created the character Wonder Woman—drawing inspiration from the liberated, unconventional women of his era.
Footnote:
Learn more about William Moulton Marston on Wikipedia. ↩
However, what happened next created two distinct paths.
Classic DISC: The Traditional Approach
Traditional DISC training tests emerged as straightforward tools. They measure your behavioural preferences across four styles: Dominance- Influence, Steadiness- Conscientiousness. You complete a questionnaire, receive a report showing your primary style, and learn about your tendencies.
These DISC training tests work well for basic understanding. They're often less expensive and quicker to implement. Many organisations use them for initial team-building exercises or recruitment screening.
But here's where it gets interesting.
Everything DiSC®: The Research-Driven Evolution
Everything DiSC® represents thirty years of continuous research and development. The publisher, Wiley, invested millions in creating a more sophisticated assessment platform.
The key difference? Validation and accuracy.
Everything DiSC Workplace® assessment (English) has been DNV-GL certified as an occupational test tool for use in the UK.
Everything DiSC® underwent rigorous testing with over 100,000 participants worldwide. This research ensures the assessment measures what it claims to measure. Traditional DISC tools don't always have this level of scientific backing.
At My Training Shop, we've witnessed first-hand how this research foundation translates into more meaningful results for teams across various sectors.
Technical Differences That Matter
Question Format: Everything DiSC® uses adaptive questioning technology. The assessment adjusts based on your previous answers, creating a more personalised experience. Traditional DISC often uses static questionnaires.
Measurement Approach: Instead of forcing you into one box, Everything DiSC® recognises that everyone is a blend of all four styles. Your results show this unique combination rather than a single label.
Report Quality: Everything DiSC® reports provide detailed, personalised insights. They explain not just what your style is, but how it affects your work relationships and leadership approach.
Scientific Validation: Everything DiSC® includes extensive reliability testing and validity studies. This means your results are consistent and meaningful rather than random.
Everything DiSC Colours
🟢 D – Dominance
🔴 i – Influence
🔵 S – Steadiness
🟡 C – Conscientiousness
Understanding the Assessment Experience
When you take a traditional DISC assessment, you'll typically answer forced-choice questions. You might choose between statements like "I am outgoing" versus "I am reserved." This approach can feel limiting.
Everything DiSC® uses a different method. You'll rate statements on a scale, allowing for more nuanced responses. This captures the complexity of your personality more accurately.
The reporting experience differs significantly too. Traditional DISC training tests often provide basic descriptions of your primary style. Everything DiSC® generates personalised narratives that feel specifically written for you.
This personalisation makes a crucial difference. When people receive DISC training test reports that resonate with their actual experiences, they engage more deeply with the development process.
See our article entitled: Your DiSC Results Explained. Shading and Priorities to learn more.
Which Assessment Suits Your Needs?
Choose Traditional DISC if:
- You need a basic introduction to behavioural styles
- Budget constraints are significant
- You're running a one-off team exercise
- You don't require detailed implementation support
Choose Everything DiSC® if:
- You want research-validated results
- Long-term behavioural development is the goal
- You're implementing organisation-wide culture change
- You need comprehensive facilitator support
DISC Implementation Success Factors
Regardless of which assessment you choose, success depends on proper implementation. Both tools can fail when organisations skip crucial steps.
· Pre-Assessment Preparation: Explain why you're using the assessment. Address concerns about labelling or judgement. Create psychological safety for honest responses.
· Professional Facilitation: Don't just hand out reports. Schedule facilitated discussions where team members can explore their results together.
· Follow-Up Activities: Plan ongoing conversations about working styles. Use the insights in team meetings, project planning, and conflict resolution.
Making Your Decision
When used correctly, both assessments can improve team dynamics. The question isn't which is "better", it's which fits your specific situation.
Consider your goals, budget, and implementation capacity. If you're serious about long-term behavioural development, Everything DiSC®'s research foundation often justifies the investment. DiSC Workplace® assessment in English has been DNV-GL certified as an occupational test tool in the UK.
Traditional DISC might serve your immediate needs for basic awareness-building or budget-conscious initiatives.
Everything DiSC on Catalyst
An up-to-date method of installing an improved organisational culture utilising Everything DiSC. Looking to boost your team's collaboration?
Everything DiSC® on Catalyst™ is here to help! This dynamic and on-demand platform brings DiSC to life right in your workplace. With personalised insights and interactive comparisons, Catalyst makes teamwork easier and more effective. Whether your team is remote, hybrid, or in-person, continuous learning features ensure everyone thrives together. Give it a try and watch your team grow
Why I chose Everything DiSC®
Over the years, I’ve tested and researched a number of psychological and behavioural profiling tools – including several versions of DISC. I wanted to be sure that what I offered would truly support the clients and organisations I work with, not just in theory, but in everyday application.
When I discovered Everything DiSC® by Wiley, something clicked. The blend of accuracy, accessibility, and practical application stood out immediately. It wasn’t just about labelling behaviour – it was about offering insights people could actually use to communicate better, build stronger relationships, and work more effectively.
I experienced this first-hand when I completed my own Everything DiSC report. Despite my tendency to overthink things, the assessment felt clear and easy to respond to. The report itself was strikingly accurate – it didn’t just describe me; it helped me understand why I behave the way I do.
For example, I’d always noticed that in meetings, I tend to hang back, allowing others to speak first. When I do need to step forward, it takes a moment of mental preparation, whereas I was envious of others who seemed to do it instinctively. Discovering that this is entirely typical of someone with an ‘S’ style felt like a deep breath out. It made sense. And that self-awareness was empowering.
It’s this level of clarity and usefulness that led me to choose Everything DiSC over other tools. The Workplace® assessment in particular has proven incredibly versatile and it’s also now DNV-GL certified in the UK as an occupational test tool, providing independent validation of its quality and credibility.
In a sea of similar-sounding tools, I believe Everything DiSC offers a depth and integrity that stands apart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I switch from traditional DISC to Everything DiSC® later?
A: No, I'm afraid, you can't transition from DISC to Everything DiSC from Wiley, as the results aren't directly transferable due to different methodologies and the adaptive questioning that Everything DiSC assessments utilise.
Q: Can we transfer Wiley’s Everything DiSC® PDF reports to Everything DiSC® on Catalyst?
Yes, you can currently request this for Free of Charge. All that is required are the emails and names used at the time. Contact us here
Q: How accurate are Everything DiSC reports?
A: These DiSC assessments are research-based and validated across millions of users worldwide. Your results reflect your self-reported preferences, making them highly accurate for understanding your natural behavioural tendencies. Everything DiSC Workplace® assessment (English) has been DNV-GL certified as an occupational test tool in the UK.
Q: How long do the assessments take to complete?
A: Traditional DISC typically takes 10-15 minutes. Everything DiSC® and Everything DiSC® on Catalyst typically takes 15-20 minutes due to its adaptive questioning format.
Q: Are the results confidential?
A: Both assessment types maintain confidentiality. Individual results are only shared with the participant. They should, of course, choose to share them with their team or/and manager. However, for best results within teams and organisations, it is best practice to share results with all others across the organisation.
Q: How often should we reassess our team?
A: Behavioural styles remain relatively stable over time. Re-assessment every 2-3 years is usually sufficient, or when significant role changes occur.
Q: Can these assessments be used for recruitment?
A: While both can provide insights during recruitment, they shouldn't be the sole deciding factor. They're better suited when onboarding to enhance team development and communication improvement.
Q: What ongoing support is available after implementation?
A: Everything DiSC® provides extensive follow-up materials and resources, available via the Everything DiSC partner network. Other DISC assessment support varies by provider but is typically more limited. Ideally, accompanied by a course where individuals can interact with the other participants.
Q How do participants continue to consider styles in the workplace following a DISC session?
A: We tend to describe it as keeping DISC alive in the workplace – take a look at some ideas /products here. Additionally, DiSC on Catalyst is a must if you are looking to adopt a DISC culture in your workplace or team, as the platform is readily accessible, incorporates on the hoof comparisons, add –on’s with more features to come.
We have various materials/activities/products with more on the way to help keep DISC alive within the workplace. Clients who have a DISC EPIC account for ongoing business will have access to many of these free of charge.
Ready to explore which assessment suits your team?
At My Training Shop, we're an Everything DiSC® Authorised Partner with twenty years of experience supporting and supplying UK organisations, trainers, consultants and coaches to improve team dynamics and communication.
Contact us today
Email: info@mytrainingshop.co.uk
OR
We can offer you a 30-minute consultation free of charge to help you choose the right assessment for your organisation. Book today and discover how understanding behavioural styles can transform your workplace dynamics.
See here for Trainers, Coaches, HR, Consultants, Organisations, recruiters
If you are looking at DiSC to raise self-awareness, then take a look at this article: How DiSC Boosts Self -Awareness
Or take your own Everything DiSC Assessment here.
© Sian
