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Writer's pictureJohnson Odakkal, PhD, CEO

History of Behaviour Styles : William Marston

Understanding human behaviour is essential for effective communication, personal development, and achieving success in various areas of life. The history of behaviour styles can be traced back to ancient times, but it was not until the 20th century that a systematic approach to understanding behaviour emerged. One of the most influential figures in the history of behaviour styles is William Marston, the creator of the DISC theory.

Behavioural styles refer to the patterns of behaviour that individuals exhibit in different situations. These patterns can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, culture, and personal experiences. The study of behavioural styles can be traced back to the ancient Greek philosopher Hippocrates, who classified people into four basic temperaments based on their physical characteristics and personality traits.

In the 20th century, various psychologists and researchers developed theories and models to better understand human behaviour. One of the most significant contributions to this field was made by William Marston, a psychologist and inventor who is best known for his creation of the DISC theory.

Marston's DISC theory is based on the idea that people exhibit four primary behavioural styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance. Each style is represented by a different letter in the DISC acronym. Marston believed that each person has a unique blend of these four behavioural styles, with one or two styles being more dominant than the others.

Marston's work on the DISC theory was influenced by his research on emotions and behaviour. He believed that emotions were an essential part of human behaviour and that understanding emotions was essential for understanding behaviour. Marston's DISC theory has been widely used in various settings, including business, education, and personal development. The theory has been used to help individuals understand their own behaviour and communication style, as well as to help teams and organisations work more effectively together.

Understanding different human behaviours is important for a number of reasons. It can help us communicate more effectively, work together more efficiently, and build positive relationships with others. Effective leaders are able to adapt their leadership style to suit the needs and behaviour styles of their team members, and understanding our own behaviour style can help us identify areas where we might need to improve and work towards personal growth. Ultimately, understanding different behaviour styles can lead to a more harmonious and productive world.

In conclusion, the study of behaviour styles has a rich and varied history that can be traced back to ancient times. William Marston's contribution to this field through his creation of the DISC theory has been significant and has had a lasting impact on our understanding of human behaviour. Overall, the study of human behaviour types has a long and rich history, with researchers drawing on a variety of theories and methods to understand the complex interplay between personality, environment, and behaviour.

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