How do you see yourself? That was the question that jump started the Everything DiSC Workplace course for nearly 30 professionals from Army Contracting Command-Redstone Arsenal's (ACC-RSA) Post Award Division at Toftoy Hall, July 11-12.
The purpose of Everything DiSC Workplace training is to build more effective relationships and to better understand each other in the workplace. The two-day instruction was led by Roger Alves, a training administrator assigned to ACC-RSA's Workforce Development Branch. Alves, a former Air Force instructor, has taught DiSC training for the last 17 years and he believes the course is beneficial to everyone on the team regardless of title or role.
“People are any organization’s most valuable resource – they are how the work gets done. How well those people interact, communicate, and cooperate all have a huge impact on how successful the organization will be. DiSC Workplace training improves all those areas and more,” he said.
Prior to the class, participants completed a 10-minute online assessment that focused on behaviors which produced personalized results based on their responses. Students were given customized profiles which placed them in one of the four categories of the model: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness.
“The DiSC behavioral model is like a secret decoder ring that helps us better understand ourselves, our co-workers, and our customers through our strengths and limitations, how we approach tasks, communicate, what motivates us, and this insight enables us to work together more effectively as a team and with less stress,” Alves said.
Over the two days, participants were able to share their results through group activities and scenario-based discussions. The exercises focused on self-awareness, identifying the styles of co-workers, and applying DISC in everyday interaction with others.
Michael Drew, a quality assurance specialist, joined the ACC-RSA team four months ago and met many of his teammates in person for the first time during the training.
“We’ve been living in a bubble for the last three years. To be able to take this training and put it to use as we return to the office. Dealing with colleagues on a Teams call is totally different than dealing with them face to face,” Drew said.
Drew like many others in the class was skeptical of their results, at first.
“I did not see myself as someone who was really outgoing of that nature. I kind of thought of myself as an introvert, but I guess I'm not. It was an eye opener and some of the stuff I absolutely agreed with,” he said.
Jon Martel, chief of the Post Award Division, organized the training for his team as ACC-RSA recently implemented a hybrid work schedule and the organization heads back to the office.
“Learning to engage people where they are is a key to more effective communications and relationships. Team trust, cohesion and effectiveness does not happen by chance,” Martel said. “The success of a team is determined by how well a group of diverse individuals work together to complete any given task.”
Even as a leader, Martel found the training just as useful as his employees.
“I learned most of my employees favor a conscientious style and for this reason are likely to appreciate clear direction compared to general guidance. Through this training I feel I have improved in my ability to hear and appreciate those differences truly understanding that there are no right or wrong views leading to accomplishing results, just different. As a leader I am better equipped to inspire, motivate and guide the team in working towards common goal,” Martel said.
While this type of training is not typical in traditional instruction, it provides self-awareness and increases emotional intelligence which is vital for professional development.
“DISC training brings practical information and team building to increase morale in the short-term, which can be cultivated by other means to create a culture of fun, increased trust, and success long term. Many traditional technical trainings leave this area untouched,” Martel said.
“Being emotionally intelligent, understanding what motivates you and others, different personality types, and how to communicate with each warrants the same level of importance in professional development.”
ACC-RSA employees that are interested in DISC training may email Alves at roger.d.alves.civ@army.mil or co-facilitator Charles Webber at charles.j.webber.civ@army.mil to set up a training consultation.
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