In an ideal world, you have intensive one-on-one follow-ups with learners. Unfortunately, most of us don't have this option. How then, can you ensure your learners benefit from DISC application?
You're off to a great start because DISC itself, is a reinforcement tool. Its strength is that it's easy to learn and put into practice. It reminds you to make adjustment that better your interactions. People easily see DISC's value; how it supports your ability to interact well with others.
Unfortunately, 'life' has a tendency to get in the way. You are pulled in different directions daily and your best intentions to develop yourself go astray and opportunities are missed.
Reinforcement of learning works best when it transitions easily into your client's real life. Different and flexible post-session options enable your learners to access multiple paths to success.
Training success is determined by how well the transfer of learning is to the participant's real world. Practical and familiar post-session reinforcement is more likely to motivate participants to practice self-awareness and behavioral adjustments.
Here are some ways to provide a more comprehensive, flexible, and meaningful training. Try what works best for you and your learners.
You're closing out a great session and you've built the bridge connecting the learning to their real world. Before the session ends is the time to start the post-session reinforcement!
Follow-up emails are practical, but can be more effective if you adjust your emails to your client's style. For example, if your client is an I-style, then could your email get a better response if you picked up the phone for a quick chat first? Would your D-style better engage if the email was brief, action-oriented and clearly states their potential benefits. Get the idea?
We know that creating a simple and concise behavioral action plan is a highly effective way to improve performance. Even if learners don't refer back to their plans, they are more consciously aware of adjustments they considered making.
The My Personal Action Plan in the back of their Individual Assessments; it couldn't be easier! It is a quick way to identify adjustments using a 'start, stop, and continue' approach. First, write down behaviors you could 'start' doing because they can help you to be more effective. Next, write down the behaviors that you should 'stop' doing because they impede your success. Finally, write down what behaviors have worked well for you and you should 'continue' doing them.
Consider the type of homework would continue the learning and application process and maintain accountability. Keep homework practical and easy to submit. Use examples that relate to their job roles.
I-styles and S-styles may prefer a phone a friend check-in. Your D-styles may want a checklist that publicly displays their accomplishments or giving themselves a score for an effective interaction. C-styles may prefer a daily self-check.
Also, keep in mind the present environment may include remote work, pandemic, etc. Would it be better to assign homework in smaller doses over an extended period of time?
Examples of homework:
Learners can set up reminders and alerts in their phones or laptops with a daily affirmation. They could ask themselves what they did well today or what they will try adjusting next time. The affirmation can be as simple as 'take a breath'; the breath is the action of a pause and reminds you to reset and adjust between interactions.
You can provide reinforcement activities for managers to use. Even if the manager simply models DISC awareness and practices conscious adjustments, they are already effective.
If you have the opportunity, follow up on their practicing of application. For example, ask them to describe a situation where they adjusted effective or what they would try next time. Discuss any additional key adjustments.
Extended DISC has a variety of resources including handouts, guides, activities, and Reinforcement Workbooks. The Client Resource Site is available to all active users of Extended DISC® Assessments.
The Reinforcement Reports are personalized, brief, standalone workbooks. Reports are topic specific and include handling stress, time management, and maximizing strengths. They are based on the learner's existing DISC Profile results so the report format and information are familiar. Key development questions are built into the reports to support practice and further development. You have the flexibility of using one, a few, or all.
Doing all the above tips does not equal reinforcement success. Choose the ones that works for you and your learners.
Awareness and personal responsibility are key to long term success. Learners need impactful information about themselves, knowing others better, and how to adjust effectively. Help them find ways to practice DISC and build it into their everyday interactions and situations. The good news is the successes reinforce the practice; until they become a habit.