Why I Started Looking at Personality in Training Design
After decades of designing technical training and soft skills training, I’ve learned that the most successful programs aren’t just about the content—they’re about understanding how different personalities engage with that content. Let me share what I’ve discovered about creating training that works for everyone in the room.
My Journey from Technical to Behavioral Training
When I first started designing technical training, I had no background in behavioral science or personality types. But I noticed something interesting: the most successful courses weren’t just technically sound—they gave people different ways to succeed. It wasn’t until 1994, when I learned to facilitate DiSC® that I understood why this approach worked so well.
Let me share a story that illustrates this perfectly…
The Check Sorter Story: How Different Personalities Learn
The company needed technicians trained on a new, high-speed check sorter. Traditional training took six to ten weeks, with technicians living at the training center the entire time. My SME and I thought we could do better.
We broke from convention in a way that, unknowingly at the time, accommodated different personality types:
- We started with live demonstrations, letting teams explore the machine’s functional areas
- We created two distinct learning paths:
- Machine 1 was for the “by-the-book” learners who preferred manuals and diagnostics
- Machine 2 was for the hands-on, trial-and-error folks
The result? Everyone passed in just three weeks. Years later, when I learned about DiSC®, I understood why this approach had worked so well.
What I’ve Learned About DiSC® Personalities in Training
The D (Dominance) Learners in My Classes
These are the folks who make trainers earn their money! They’re direct, demanding, and always in a hurry. In my experience:
- They’ll challenge you (and that’s okay!)
- They want to get out early if they’ve mastered the content
- They’re not fans of rigid e-learning
- They love debating (but need to be managed so they don’t dominate)
The i (Influence) Participants I’ve Worked With
These are your social butterflies. In my training rooms:
- They thrive on role-plays and group activities
- They’ll happily share personal stories (sometimes too many!)
- They struggle with self-paced e-learning unless it’s group-based
- They keep their energy high but need guidance to stay focused
The S (Steadiness) Students Who’ve Taught Me Patience
These are often my favorite learners because they’re such great listeners. I’ve found:
- They appreciate detailed explanations
- They’re uncomfortable with sudden changes in the agenda
- They excel with job aids and supplemental readings
- They ask thoughtful questions that benefit everyone
The C (Conscientiousness) Learners Who Keep Me Sharp
These participants have taught me always to be prepared. In my experience:
- They want references and evidence
- They’ll ask the most detailed questions
- They prefer working alone but will participate if well-structured
- They need comprehensive documentation
How I Design Training Now
After 30 years of working with DiSC®, here’s my approach:
For Instructor-Led Training:
- I write detailed content for the C’s but train facilitators to adjust the delivery
- I build in short segments for D’s and i’s
- I include both structured and interactive elements
- I maintain a fixed agenda but with flexibility in the discussions
For eLearning:
- I create intuitive navigation (essential for all types)
- I provide comprehensive information with easy access
- I use clear, consistent language
- I incorporate supporting visuals that enhance rather than distract
My Best Practices After Years of Trial and Error
- Always build in multiple paths to success
- Keep the D’s engaged with quick wins
- Give i’s chances to interact
- Provide S’s with stability and structure
- Satisfy C’s need for details and accuracy
- Include plenty of breaks
- Manage side conversations effectively
- Follow the agenda while remaining flexible
What I’ve Learned Matters
The secret isn’t creating four different training programs—it’s building one flexible program that allows each personality type to engage in their preferred way. Sometimes, this means letting the D’s leave early if they’ve mastered the content while giving the C’s all the additional resources they crave.
Looking Back and Forward
After three decades of designing training with DiSC® in mind, I’m still learning. Each class teaches me something new about how different personalities interact with training materials. The key is staying curious and adaptable.
What I know for sure is this: when you design training that acknowledges and accommodates different personality types, everyone wins—the learners, the facilitators, and ultimately, the organization.
DiSC Assessment Profiles For Every Situation!
The versatility of the DiSC model enables its application in various work scenarios. Here are the most popular DiSC Assessment types:
- Everything DiSC® Workplace – This foundational DiSC assessment focuses on individual styles and effective collaboration with others. It benefits individuals at all levels within an organization, irrespective of their title or role, aiming to enhance the overall workplace environment.
- Everything DiSC® Management – Designed to enhance managerial abilities, this assessment aids in directing and delegating tasks, motivating team members, and developing employees. It includes a dedicated section on effective collaboration with supervisors, enabling managers to bring out the best in each team member.
- Everything DiSC® Sales – Tailored for sales professionals, this assessment equips them with the skills to establish stronger connections with customers. It helps individuals understand their natural selling style as well as the buying preferences of their customers, leading to more fruitful customer relationships and improved sales performance.
- Everything DiSC® Work of Leaders – Based on the Vision, Alignment, and Execution framework, this assessment empowers leaders to understand their own leadership behaviors and their impact on effectiveness. It provides tangible steps to guide leaders in achieving desired outcomes for their teams or organizations.
- Everything DiSC® 363 For Leaders – An online 360-degree feedback tool designed to enhance leadership capabilities. This powerful tool collects input from the participant, their supervisor, peers, direct reports, and other work groups. Integrating the integrity of DiSC into 360 assessments generates valuable leadership insights and offers a specific action plan for growth and development.
- DiSC® Certification Training – DiSC® Certification Training fully prepares professionals to administer and apply DiSC assessments. Through interactive modules, participants gain expertise in interpreting DiSC profiles and integrating DiSC concepts into real-world situations. This powerful program provides coaches, trainers, and consultants the confidence and resources to optimize DiSC.
How TrainSMART Can Assist You with DiSC® Assessments
At TrainSMART, we specialize in providing comprehensive support for all your DiSC® assessment needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to delivering exceptional training and guidance, ensuring that you and your organization fully leverage the benefits of DiSC® assessments. Contact us today to embark on your DiSC® assessment training journey and unlock the full potential of individual and team effectiveness.
Are you interested in learning more about Everything DiSC Personality Assessments? Contact TrainSMART at 800-807-8030 or inquiries@trainsmartinc.com