Personality Dimensions® – Did You Know?

From the initial launch in 2003, Personality Dimensions® has aimed to meet the needs of the individual trainer by carefully listening to and understanding their feedback.  We recognised early on that a “one size fits all” approach would not be in the best interest of trainers or their clients.  This is why there are different versions of the same Personality Dimensions® resources.  Currently, there are 7 different Participant Pack and Dimensions Cards versions (soon to be 8!) in different languages, reading levels and contexts.  These are: Adult English, English Basics, English PD for Youth, Adult French, French Basics, Adult Spanish, Adult Chinese, and coming soon, Chinese PD for Youth.

The Adult English materials are where we started.  These are written at a grade 8 reading level, using the Flesch–Kincaid readability formula.  The Adult English Participant Packs are designed to be used in conjunction with the Adult English Dimensions Cards and Picture Cards.  These materials are best suited to a general adult population.

PD Basics English Participant Packs and PD Basics Dimensions Cards are contextually the same as the Adult English Participant Packs, however they are written at a grade 5 reading level.  These materials are not intended to be used in conjunction with the Adult materials; however the same Picture Card is used with either version.  They are designed to be used with an adult population where literacy is a challenge, or where English is not the primary language.

One of the latest additions to the Personality Dimensions® lineup is the PD for Youth Participant Pack.  Like the PD Basics resources, it is also written at a grade 5 reading level, however the content is contextually different from the Adult resources.  Paired with the PD@School Dimensions Card, and the standard English Picture Card, this version better speaks to teenagers in high school.  A separate PowerPoint is also available that matches the context of the materials.

The Adult French Participant Packs are much the same as their English counterpart, and are also written at a grade 8 reading level.  These are intended to be used with the Adult French Dimensions Cards, and French Picture Cards.  The Adult French resources are best used with a general adult, French-speaking population.

Similarly the PD Basics or DP l’essentiel Participant Pack and DP l’essentiel Dimensions Cards are contextually the same as the Adult French Participant Packs, however they are written at a grade 5 reading level.  These materials are not intended to be used in conjunction with the Adult materials; however the same Picture Card is used with either version.  These are designed to be used with an adult population where literacy is a challenge, or where French is not the primary language.

The Spanish Participant Pack, Dimensions Cards, and Picture Cards were developed over a period of time with translators in Mexico, overseen by a Personality Dimensions Level II Trainer.  These materials are designed to be used together, and are written at a grade 6 reading level.  They are best suited to a Spanish-speaking adult population.

The Chinese-language (Traditional) Participant Packs, Dimensions Cards, and Picture Cards was a large undertaking that involved translators in Canada and Hong Kong, as well as testing, and verification taking place in both countries.  This was overseen by PD Master Trainer, Dr. Angela Shik.  Necessary contextual changes were made to best reflect the language and culture in Hong Kong.

Soon to be released, initially in Hong Kong, and eventually Canada, is the PD for Youth Participant Pack and Dimensions Cards in Traditional Chinese.  These resources will be similar to their English counterparts, where the content is contextually appropriate for teenagers in high school.

Figuring out which materials to order can be a challenge, especially with so many options available; but rest assured our customer service team is here to help.  We check every order that comes in individually to make sure everything makes sense; if something seems a little strange to us, we will always give you call to verify things.   We also want your feedback.  Do you see a need for different materials that would better suit your clients?  Do you have a great idea for a Tool-Kit?  Get in touch with us, we’re always happy to hear from you.

Personality Dimensions – A Family of Colours and Dimensions

A Family of Colours and Dimensions – Still Using the Tool Box.

Back in October we re-published Wendy Sewell’s article: A Family of Colours and Dimensions.  Wendy talked about raising her two daughters who not only have different personalities from each-other, but also from her own.  After seeing her original article again, Wendy was inspired to share a follow up 10 years later.  Thank you Wendy!

 

My two daughters are now 23 and 21 and are both in university. My Inquiring Green is off in the Netherlands studying International Business Management in the Hague. My Authentic Blue is at Carleton University in Ottawa studying Psychology and Neuro Sciences and lives in my basement. Independent, but close, “to keep an eye on me”.  They are both happy and accomplished young women. They are doing what they love and enjoying the challenges they are facing.

I still think to myself that it could have been so different if they didn’t know anything about their respective personality types. I have been a single mother since my youngest daughter was one year old. I think that not having a partner to discuss child raising problems with made understanding personality all the more important to me. It was very easy to identify my Authentic Blue and my Inquiring Green daughters. Of course they are not a solid colour, as we are all a mix, but they do exemplify their strongest colour. They have been using this tool since childhood and they understand their reactions to things better than most.

I am surprised that I have made it this far, surviving two teenage girls thru puberty and we have emerged out and into their twenties with strong bonds that make my heart warm. When you can disarm a conflict with taking the personal aspect out of the fight, then the real communication can happen.  Throughout the years they have been able to lay their problems and feelings out on the table without fear of being judged. What a gift that is! Of course they are going to be much more open if they realize their feelings are validated and accepted.  I find it easy to point out to them the areas that they are special in and often compare my own Resourceful Orange to them. They know what my strengths and weaknesses are and they know I’m not perfect.

My oldest daughter still gets her Authentic Blue feelings hurt but she can rebound with amazing resilience. She is so empathetic and everyone’s ‘go to’ friend when they have problems. She is also fearless and will tackle any rollercoaster or parachute jump she can find.

My Inquiring Green daughter is still self-correcting and is proving very resourceful being far from home and helping hands. Her analytical talents are certainly helping her in her chosen education.  She is loving all the travelling in Europe and searching out answers to her endless questions.

The most incredible result is that they are best friends and lean on each other whenever they need it.

I want to really impress upon parents how much children can understand and use these concepts from a relatively young age.

 

By: Wendy Sewell, Personality Dimensions® Level I Trainer.