Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't workshop participants get to keep the Cards and Participant Package materials?
Any type of personality or temperament assessment has the potential to do harm in untrained hands. This is why it is important that the people who use these materials are qualified to do so. Leaving materials in the hands of untrained individuals, even though they have already participated in an introductory workshop, has the potential to lead to unintentional stereotyping and "colour bashing." We stress the "We're all Plaid" aspect of every person's temperament in our workshops but it can be difficult for people to fully comprehend after just a brief introduction. Also, having these colourful and interactive materials generally available can reduce the perceived effectiveness of the system to that of a party game.
Why was PD created when there were already existing temperament tools available?
Personality Dimensions® came about as the result of requests from qualified temperament facilitators for materials that reflected the multicultural aspect of our society and to broaden the applications for the system.
We purposely designed the resources to reduce the "predictability" aspect so that choices were made, as much as possible, without knowing that they aligned with the "colour" of previous choices. We also felt that the research that Linda Berens had published needed to be incorporated into the quiz part of the system in order to create a balanced, accurate reflection of each temperament. Introversion and Extraversion, not part of temperament theory, was also considered vital to the system as it is often key to how people perceive us. We added visual cues, the four symbols, for impact in charting and explanation, and included key descriptors for each of the temperaments, or colours, as strong reminders of the essence of each temperament. Prior to publication an extensive research project was undertaken to validate the theory and each component was field tested by 127 focus groups across the country who gave valuable input into shaping the system.
We consider Personality Dimensions® to be a dynamic system, subject to revision and advancement that research and validation can support and from the feedback of qualified Personality Dimensions facilitators around the world.
Why do qualified facilitators get a discount on the products when they order? Why not simply lower the prices?
This is our way of saying "thank you" to facilitators for qualifying to administer the Personality Dimensions system and as one way to help you to build your business. It is up to you whether you extend the discount to your clients. Discounts are not shown on any of the product pages on the website or in print catalogues.
How do I become a level II, or Train-the-Trainer, Facilitator?
Level I Personality Dimensions facilitators who are interested in gaining their Level II certification must:
1. have been certified as Level I facilitator for at least 1 year; and,
2. have completed a minimum of 10 Personality Dimensions™ sessions; 6 of these must have dealt with different specific applications, e.g.:
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Personality Dimensions™ and Building an Effective Team
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Personality Dimensions™ and Conflict Resolution
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Using Personality Dimensions™ To Enhance Your Sales Techniques, etc.
3. prepare a detailed written outline of a Personality Dimensions™ application workshop that you have given or would like to give must be submitted (program facilitator will contact you in advance to determine your topic and to offer support and answer questions or concerns you may have.
The written outline should include the following:
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Title:
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Target group:
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Objectives:
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Strategies/activities:
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Conclusion:
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Possible pitfalls, obstacles and suggested means of handling these.
1. present a 15 minute "mini" version of your workshop, including introduction and an interactive activity (excluding your icebreaker);
2. you may, at the discretion of the program facilitator, be asked to prepare and submit a detailed written summary, including your icebreaker, such that others would be able to implement it in their own settings. One of the major purposes of the Facilitator-Trainer (level II) training is to allow experienced practitioners to share their expertise and this format allows this to happen in a structured way.
Qualified Facilitator-Trainers (level II) are qualified to perform all the same responsibilities as Qualified Facilitators (level I), as well as provide Qualified Facilitator (level I) certification training.
What is a Master Trainer?
Certified Master Trainers (level III) are appointed. They have made a significant contribution towards the on-going development of the Personality Dimensions® system (theoretical research and development and applications development) before they will be considered for Master Trainers status. Each Master Trainer has been certified as Facilitator-Trainers (level II) for a minimum of three years and demonstrably completed a minimum of 10 Qualified Facilitator (level I) sessions. Certified Master Trainers (level III) facilitators are qualified to perform all the same activities as Facilitator-Trainers (level II) as well as provide Facilitator-Trainer (level II) certification training.
Why do trainers collect statistics?
The collection of population statistics from your workshops has proven very valuable in a couple of areas: the data are of interest to most colour groups -- how their colour preference fits into the world (you can access that by going to PD Statistics, under the Trainer Resources tab). And we are using this information to provide vital support to the development of further Personality Dimensions resources; a primary example of this is the Career Dimensions component. Additionally, based on the information that is submitted we look to expanding the resource offerings to meet the needs of the groups you are working with; for example, increasing work with retirees, or those in the "baby boomers" age group resulted in Retirement Dimensions.
You can help us continue our research and development by submitting your workshop statistics. Simply go to the Trainer Resources tab and then into Submit Workshop Statistics.
What is Temperament?
Temperament is defined as "an individual’s character, disposition, and tendencies as revealed in his reactions" and "the characteristic way an individual behaves, especially towards other people" by Collins Dictionary. More simply put, temperament is based on what we say and what we do.
Dr. David Keirsey described temperament as "a configuration of observable personality traits, such as habits of communication, patterns of action, and sets of characteristic attitudes, values, and talents. It also encompasses personal needs, the kinds of contributions that individuals make in the workplace, and the roles they play in society."
Historically four major patterns have been identified. Each has its own unique qualities; values, strengths, needs, joys and stressors. Knowing our own temperament preference helps us understand the "why" of our behaviour and the "what and how" of things that motivate us.
The Personality Dimensions® temperament system is presented in an informative, interactive, self-discovery format that enhances the basic values of self-esteem, dignity and self-worth.
What is the difference between the standard adult Personality Dimensions® materials and PD Basics materials?
Standard Personality Dimensions adult materials are written to be readily understood at a grade 8 reading/comprehension level. PD Basics materials are written at a grade 5 reading/comprehension level. Both versions are comparable, with the same concepts and ideas presented, except that the PD Basics materials are written at an easier to understand level, they offer you greater flexibility when working with diverse groups.
Can PD@School™ materials be used with college or university aged students? Can they be used with students in lower grades?
PD@School™ materials were researched, developed and tested on high school students. The language is at a level that they are comfortable with and the concepts addressed are those that a typical high school student would have experience with. Using these materials with older students would minimize the effectiveness of the workshop as they would perceive the materials as too juvenile.
Younger students would not be comfortable using PD@School™ as they may not understand the words and may not be self-aware enough to be able to relate to the concepts presented, and thus select, the colour/temperament that is most like them.