One way to learn about the DISC styles is through a DISC training program, such as Taking Flight with DISC.  Before they arrive, people go online and take a DISC profile.  (Many will inevitably call it a personality test, but I’d prefer calling an assessment.  The word “test” connotes that there are right and wrong answers or good and bad profiles and none such exist.) 
 
Then, after a few activities that introduce the styles (see the Three Activities for Incorporating the Taking Flight! birds into DISC training article), participants receive a personalized DISC report and the conversation goes something like this: 
 
“Hey, I’m a D.” 
 
“Yeah, well I’m an I.  This is really cool!” 
 
“Interesting, I’m a C.” 
 
“I’m an S.” 
 
They quickly discover that people are not just one style, but that’s where the conversation begins. After learning about how each style handles an assortment of situations, such as managing stress, dealing with change, listening to others, communicating via e-mail, providing feedback, and resolving conflict (just to name a few), participants will learn how quickly read the DISC style of others.  This allows individuals to apply one of the key DISC principles that we call, The Home Rule:  Treat others how they need to be treated, not how you need to be treated. 
 
They also learn other valuable principles, such as the Overuse Principle which states:  Use your strengths, but don’t overuse them.  Throughout the session, participants will learn that the DISC system is a simple shorthand for understanding all of our needs, motivators, and behaviors.  
 
With their newfound insights, participants conclude the session with action planning to turn their learning into action.  The Taking Flight with DISC training session is designed to increase self-awareness and provide foundational principles to understanding ourselves and others. By understanding the styles, they learn how to communicate more effectively, read other people’s behaviors so that we can flexibly adapt to their needs, build better relationship, and manage our careers more effectively.