The DISC Personality Test and the Colors Personality Test

One of the most frequently asked questions our clients have is, "What is the difference between the DISC Personality Test and the Colors Personality Test?" Can these be used interchangeably, or what are the varying advantages or disadvantages of each? Here is a quick guide to gain more clarification on each and see which may be best for you and your organization.

The DISC Personality Test and the Colors Personality Test have several core similarities. Chiefly, they each have four different primary personality styles, and those four styles correspond closely with each other. While it may not be an exact one-to-one correlation, they can be related to one another as such:

• D-style = Green
• I-style = Orange
• S-style = Blue
• C-style = Gold

The Colors test is based on the Myers-Briggs (MBTI) methodology of the four temperaments. Like DISC, the Colors report provides an outcome of one primary color and description for each, as well as the rank of the other style blends within one's personality and tips for communicating and working with others of different colors and color blends. It is important to note that the Myers-Briggs assessment is not valid or legal for hiring applications, which also means the Colors assessment is also not legal for use in hiring.

The PeopleKeys® DISC assessment is validated, reliable, and legal for use in the hiring process. The resulting DISC Profile provides in-depth style combinations and descriptions that provide great detail and analysis in terms of an individual's total self, their communication styles, ideal environments, strengths, potential limitations, and so forth.

The Colors Personality Test can be a good choice for simple corporate or even classroom exercises for team building and communication. The individuals who take the test see an easily relatable color outcome, and it's straightforward to digest. People can gain insight into some core truths about themselves and apply that to their place within interoffice communication or management, for example. Another potential usage would be a simple career guidance or planning exercise.

These same applications can be achieved through DISC. When presented in a simple and straightforward manner, DISC also provides the same relatable, easy-to-learn material. The difference is that one's PeopleKeys® DISC profile is backed by proven, reliable results with third-party validation. The resulting DISC report also offers deeper insights into how different personality types can work together more productively and communicate more effectively with others, offering a complete team-building experience.

The validated and reliable results that the DISC profile provides are essential when you need the finest level of analysis for applications such as hiring. A hiring manager reviewing potential employees needs to see the whole picture of a candidate, and this includes their personality traits. They can learn how the candidate will fit into the company culture and whether or not they'll truly thrive. Or for individual counseling, consulting, or guidance, you want that extra detail that isn't necessary for large group settings.

The Colors Personality Test will fulfill some business applications, but the DISC Personality Test will open up the ability to legally hire smarter while providing you with an enormous amount of information to help you make precise decisions that will improve the success of your company and people.