The concept of personality has been studied for thousands of years. Hippocrates theorized that personality traits and human behaviors are based on four different temperaments – sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric, and melancholic.

These temperaments play a role in almost every aspect of life – from how you process information to how you interact with others. Since Hippocrates, other physicians and theorists have contributed to his four primary temperament types. They determined that our attitudes, emotions, mental state and capacity, and even our dreams play a vital role in defining our temperaments.

Let’s look at the four core learner temperaments and how to create online training for each type.

How the Four Learner Temperaments Effect Online Training

1. Sanguine

Sanguine learners are outgoing and social. They like challenges – even when a degree of risk is involved. Sanguine learners tend to be optimistic and enthusiastic, making them ideal leaders who motivate their teammates to achieve results. They can get bored quickly and dislike online training when it’s monotonous and uninteresting.

Tips to Create Online Training for Sanguine Learners

• Since they are creative and enjoy the role of host, integrate online training activities that allow them to motivate and entertain their peers. For example, many sanguines would love to manage a group collaboration project or lead a live training session.
• Sanguine learners like to take risks – especially without real-world repercussions. Simulations allow them to learn from mistakes without negatively affecting sales, compliance policies, or customer service stats.
• To keep them fully engaged, provide a blend of online training activities. Allow them to choose from resources that appeal to different learning preferences.

2. Phlegmatic

Phlegmatic learners are typically easygoing and quiet. They empathize with others and like to keep the peace in their group. They thrive in social situations even though they aren’t as outgoing as their sanguine peers. They try to maintain harmony and resolve any conflicts among their teammates.

Tips to Create Online Training for Phlegmatic Learners

• They are excellent problem-solvers and use their lateral thinking skills to solve everyday challenges. Provide group collaboration projects so they can brainstorm solutions with their peers.
• Phlegmatic learners need a peaceful and calm environment so they can focus on the task at hand. Controversial content or images makes them uneasy, so use relaxing color schemes and humor to help them feel comfortable.
• They feel deeply and appreciate online training activities that connect with them on a personal level. However, they don’t like outwardly expressing their emotions. Use personal anecdotes and real-world stories they can sympathize with and relate to.

3. Choleric

Choleric learners are typically goal-oriented, ambitious, and extroverted. As a result, many of them are natural-born leaders. At times, they can be emotional – and they often “think with their head instead of their heart.” Choleric learners may do well in social settings, but only with like-minded people who like to engage in meaningful conversations.

Tips to Create Online Training for Choleric Learners

• Create a peer-based coaching or mentoring program, so they have the opportunity to share their experiences and exchange knowledge. They tend to disengage from public forums since they prefer deep and meaningful discussions over lighthearted exchanges.
• Choleric learners are goal-oriented self-starters who prefer structure in their online training. Encourage them to set their own goals and then separate them into milestones.
• Emphasize the real-world benefits and provide ample opportunity for them to put their knowledge into practice. Simulations and case studies allow them to put things into context.

4. Melancholic

Melancholic learners often appear to be lost in thought, contemplating, and analyzing the training. They are more introverted and avoid being the center of attention. However, they are also perfectionists who strive to reach their full potential. Melancholic learners typically don’t like taking risks or going against the status quo. Instead, they thrive on order and routine. Because they are organized and neat, disorder and clutter often make them feel anxious.

Tips to Create Online Training for Melancholic Learners

• Provide an orderly online training course that’s easy to navigate and clutter-free. Since they pay close attention to every detail, make sure each graphic, image, or text box has a purpose.
• Melancholic learners may not be ready to lead the team or host online training events. So instead, incorporate online discussions and social media groups that allow them to ease into social interaction.
• Because melancholics are independent, they appreciate personalized, self-paced learning paths. However, they also need social learning activities to meet their need for community.

Final Thoughts

Your online training audience will likely include all of these learner temperaments. That’s why it’s essential to create inclusive online training activities that appeal to these four primary personalities.

Impact Group Training can help you develop a meaningful online training program that meets the needs of all learners. With our extensive experience in instructional design, eLearning development, and graphic design, we can make your training ideas come to life! Contact us today to learn more.

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