What Are the Most Common Mistakes Facilitators Make When Teaching DiSC?

Quick Answer:
The five biggest DiSC facilitation mistakes all come down to one thing: focusing more on teaching the tool than transforming the people. Great facilitators know the spotlight belongs on the participants, not the presenter.

I wish I would have kept track of how many DiSC sessions I’ve facilitated over the last 25+ years. I am sure it’s hundreds, maybe more than 1,000. I have made many mistakes. I’ve learned from them and I want to share them with you, so that you can have the impact on your learners and organization that you desire.

Mistake #1. Making the Session About You Instead of Them

We’ve all done it. You prepare, you know the content cold, and before you know it, you’re the star of the show. The jokes land, the timing’s sharp, and people are laughing… but are they learning?
DiSC workshops work best when participants see themselves in the content, not you. Your job is to guide discovery, not deliver a monologue. Use personal stories sparingly, check your airtime, and remember: if you’re talking more than they are, you’re probably over-teaching and under-transforming.

Mistake #2. Failing to Facilitate Real Connections in the Room

Facilitators sometimes focus so much on sharing their passion for DiSC, following their planned activities, and sticking to their timed agenda that they forget to connect the people. On more than one occasion, I’ve had a well-meaning HR person point out that I was deviating from the agenda, but then, the business leaders in the room told me me that was the most meaningful and impactful part of the session.

A great DiSC experience isn’t about letters and scripts. It’s about helping teammates understand and value each other. When participants walk away saying, “I learned something about us,” you’ve nailed it. Build small-group conversations, pair shares, and discussions about real life into your agenda. Those connections are what make the learning stick.

Mistake #3. Designing the Session Around Your Own Style

It’s human nature: we teach the way we like to learn.

• A high-D facilitator might push through everything to get to the point.

• A high-i facilitator might pack the session with games and breakout energy.

• A high-S facilitator might create deep, thoughtful discussions.

• A high-C facilitator might take a deep dive into data and analysis.

But if you design every workshop around your DiSC style, you'll lose three-quarters of the room.

The solution? Balance your session agenda intentionally. Mix in a short wrong way/right way video for the C’s, an energizer for the i’s, pair discussions for the S’s, and some competition for the D’s. The more variety, the broader your impact.

4. Not Linking DiSC to Real Business Problems

This is a big one. Too many workshops stay theoretical without ever asking, “What’s really happening on your team?” Every DiSC session should connect directly to business reality:

• What goals need to be achieved and what traits will help the team to achieve them?

• Communication breakdowns? Use Catalyst comparisons to diagnose them.

• Low morale? Explore what each style needs to stay motivated.

• Departmental friction? Have groups map their styles to see how dynamics form.

When participants tie DiSC insights to real challenges, the learning becomes practical, not theoretical and that’s when behavior starts to change.

5. Forgetting the Follow-Up

Even the best workshop fades fast if there’s no reinforcement. DiSC isn’t a one-and-done. It’s a language you have to keep speaking. A simple follow-up can make all the difference:

• Send a Catalyst reflection question a week after your workshop.

• Host a 15-minute “DiSC in Action” check-in or small group coaching session once a month.

• Give leaders a micro-habit challenge (e.g., Adapt one sentence in your next coaching conversation).

The goal isn’t more training. It’s sustained transformation.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve made some of these mistakes, you’re in good company. Every skilled facilitator has. The difference between a good workshop and a great one is your own awareness. When you shift your focus from delivering content to creating connection, everything changes - energy, engagement, behavior change, and long-term results!

🚀 Your Next Step: Download the DiSC Facilitators Dream Kit

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