From aha to action! The goal is to convert DISC results into real-world application, but that's only half the story. How can you take it to the next level and make it stick?
As facilitators, we love those lightbulb moments when participants see themselves in their Extended DISC® results and say, “That’s so true about me!” Those moments of recognition are great, but they’re only the beginning.
Real growth happens when people use what they’ve learned to improve how they work, communicate, and manage their energy.
Today, I want to share with you an activity called The Competency Connection. It guides people to take what they’ve learned from their Extended DISC® report and apply it to their real jobs. It bridges the gap between insight and application.
Get Ready
The activity is simple and straightforward. It doesn't require any bells and whistles. All your participants need are:
- The Extended DISC® Individual Report
- A pen
- A little curiosity!
Before the training session, pick one behavioral competence section to use, based on the desired outcomes for the training. In the Extended DISC® Individual Report, those sections include Your Communication Style, Your Decision-making Style, and How Your Team Members Perceive Your Style. Let's use Your Communication Style as our example.
Start by reminding participants that these sections do not reflect good or bad scores. It's about understanding where your energy flows naturally and where it might require more effort and intention.
The goal isn’t to “fix” anything. The goal is to use this awareness to perform and adapt more effectively.
How to Lead the Activity
Here are the three easy steps:
Step 1: Cover the Scores
Ask participants to literally cover up the bar graphs or scores with a piece of paper or by folding the page. This helps them focus on the list of behaviors first without worrying about their scores.
Step 2: Choose Impactful Behaviors
Encourage them to select 1–3 behaviors that matter most for their job. Maybe it’s “Active sharing of positive information,” “Direct, goal-focused communication,” or “Communicating in a compelling way.” These should be things they do often or that are important to doing their job well at this time.
Step 3: Uncover the Scores and Reflect
Now, uncover the scores for those behaviors and explore what each means.
If the score is high, this behavior comes naturally and tends to feel comfortable. Ask:- How are you leveraging this strength?
- When have you relied too much on this strength, and how might it limit your adaptability?
- How do you manage the energy this takes to do this consistently?
- What strategies or support could help you sustain this effort, and do you need to create or adjust your approach?
Encourage them to share examples and insights with the group. This helps connect the dots between awareness and action.
Facilitator Tips
As a facilitator, your role is to help them see patterns to build self-awareness. Encourage curiosity and experimentation.
As you debrief, remind participants that scores are not “good” or “bad.” They are based on your DISC style. The Extended DISC® report isn’t about ability, it’s about energy. A high score doesn’t mean “better,” and a low score doesn’t mean “worse.” It simply reflects what feels natural versus what requires more conscious effort.
Encourage them to think about how they can work smarter, not harder, by leaning into natural strengths and finding strategies to manage energy-draining tasks.
Why it Works
This activity helps people move from simply knowing their DISC style to using it. It’s practical, personal, and powerful because it focuses on real-life situations. In short, it's when theory meets practice.
When participants connect their DISC results to their everyday tasks, they:
- Understand what energizes or drains them
- Learn how to use their strengths wisely
- Find ways to adapt and grow
That’s where real change begins.
💡 Want more ways to help participants connect self-awareness to action? Explore our Extended DISC® facilitator resources and tools designed to make behavioral insights practical, memorable, and lasting.
