Does Your Personality Fit the Franchise?

by Computer Explorers

Many franchisors use DISC Personality Profile Assessment with prospects. The assessments use a word association (similar to Myers-Briggs) to describe aspects of behavior. It is a nonjudgmental tool to understand personality types that is used worldwide in coaching, training programs and hiring.

There are many versions of DISC sold by various companies but all follow the same principle. There are a series of approximately 15 – 25 questions. Some are single word choices; others may be in the form of questions. The assessment can be taken on line and in less than 30 minutes.

DISC represents:

• “D” (Dominance) – description of someone who is direct, shows assertiveness, enjoys challenges and/or risks. They may be strong-minded individuals who take action and expect immediate results.
• “I” (Influence) – description of someone who relates to social situations, team players. People who like sharing ideas and can energize others.
• “S” (Steadiness) – description of someone with patience, persistence, good listeners, show thoughtfulness. Those described as steady like helping, working behind the scenes and are typically good listeners.
• “C” (Conscientiousness)– description of someone who is detailed oriented, like structure and organization. Individuals who insist on high quality and systematic approaches.

Street Smart Franchising (written by Joe Mathews, Don DeBolt and Deb Percival) describes prospects as typecast actors: The Action Hero, The Comedian, The Faithful Sidekick or The Private Eye.

Here is their brief description of the actors:

The Action Hero: outgoing, hard-charging, risk-taking, task-oriented, efficient, organized and results oriented.

The Comedian: fun-loving, outgoing, empathetic, risk-taking, people oriented, enthusiastic and charming.

The Faithful Sidekick: warm, dependable, good-natured, structured, methodical and empathic team player.

Private Eye: precise, exact, focused, detailed, neat, systematic, open-minded and slow-paced.

During the franchise development process it’s possible that:

• “D” personalities may want to move quickly or look to control the process.
• “I” personalities may have strong people skills and want to quickly get to the bottom line.
• “S” personalities may react cautiously and require details of the process and franchise system structure.
• “C” personalities may be highly organized and write down everything they learn in the process.

Everyone has a set of strengths that makes them unique and valuable. Franchisors need to determine if one particular personality trait will determine success or failure in their system. It is the goal of the franchisor to find potential franchisees who will work hard to achieve personal and business goals once they join the system.

As a prospect, think about your personality assessment and if the franchise will best suit your personality. Ask yourself, “Is the franchise I am considering tailored to my personality? What are the personalities of the support team and will I fit in? Will owning this particular franchise motivate me?”

-Deb Evans
President & CEO
COMPUTER EXPLORERS

Learn more about COMPUTER EXPLORERS at www.franchisebusinessreview.com.
 

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