People who have the Di style in Everything DiSC combine the traits of Dominance and Influence, resulting in a self-assured, forceful, and high-energy personality. Although they may seem invincible at first glance, Di types have their own set of vulnerabilities that can throw them off balance.
The fear of losing their impact, being stuck in monotony, failing a challenge, being left out of the loop, or not being recognized for their achievements can trigger stress and cause Di’s vibrant energy to morph into frustration and impulsiveness. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at a Di Personality type’s 5 biggest fears and stress triggers, which can help us cope with them in a healthy way and collaborate more effectively with them.
Fear #1: Losing Influence
“Why Aren’t They Listening?” – This is one of the most common and relatable fears for Di types. The Influential part of them wants to be heard and followed, while their Dominant side wants to be in control. Everything DiSC reports that the prospect of being ignored, dismissed, or contradicted can be a major stress trigger for Di, making them feel undervalued and powerless. This fear of losing influence can cause them to become overly assertive or aggressive in their communication.
It may also lead to overcompensation by making them feel like they have to work twice as hard to prove themselves or get others to listen to them. How can Di’s overcome this fear? First, they should try to build genuine relationships based on mutual trust and respect instead of putting extra effort to get others to agree with them or follow them. Second, other people can help Di’s by paying attention to their ideas and opinions, asking questions to clarify their points, and providing constructive feedback to help them improve.
Fear #2: Feeling Stuck
“Why Is This So Slow?” – Nothing irritates a Di more than routine, over-regulation, and slow progress. They need variety, action, and momentum to stay engaged and motivated. The thought of doing the same task over and over again, having to follow a dozen red tape procedures, or dealing with a bureaucratic system that moves at a snail’s pace can be extremely frustrating and boring for Di types. Everything DiSC explains that this fear is the result of the collision of Dominance, which craves progress, and Influence, which hates boredom.
As a result, they may become restless, dissatisfied, or even depressed when they feel stuck. How can Di’s overcome this fear? There are a few ways to make the best out of a bad situation. For example, Di’s can try to introduce some novelty and creativity into their work, such as experimenting with new methods, exploring different perspectives, or finding alternative solutions. They can also seek feedback and support from others to help them move forward. And finally, they can remind themselves that this too shall pass and that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Fear #3: Losing a Challenge
“Failure Isn’t an Option” – As people who are driven by success, winning, and being the best, Di types are not accustomed to losing a challenge. On the one hand, Dominance makes them equate their self-worth with their achievements, and on the other hand, Influence makes them care about other people’s opinions. As a result, losing a challenge, especially a public one, can be a blow to their ego and confidence. Everything DiSC reports point out that Di types are known for their competitive spirit and winning mentality. But when they are under stress and afraid of losing a challenge, they may overextend themselves and make mistakes or take unnecessary risks.
How can Di’s overcome this fear? First of all, Di’s should remember that failure is a part of life, and it’s not the end of the world. They should learn from their mistakes and failures and use them as feedback and motivation to do better next time. They can also use tools like post-mortems and retrospectives to analyze what went wrong and what can be improved. And finally, they should not hesitate to ask for help and support from others when they need it.
Fear #4: Being Left Out
“I Need to Be in the Action” – Di types are not the type to sit on the sidelines and watch others work. They want to be in the action, making an impact, and leading the way. Being left out of the loop, not being invited to participate in a decision-making process, or not being assigned a high-visibility task can be very stressful and disheartening for Di types. Everything DiSC stresses that they have a strong need to feel involved, informed, and appreciated by others. When they are excluded or marginalized, they may feel angry, resentful, or unappreciated.
As a result, they may try to reassert their position and relevance by interrupting, arguing, or dominating the conversation. How can Di’s overcome this fear? Well, there are two main things that Di’s can do to avoid feeling left out. First, they can take the initiative and ask for it. They can volunteer to take on new challenges, offer to help others with their tasks, or share their ideas and opinions. Second, others can make sure to include Di’s in all relevant discussions and activities to acknowledge their contributions and value.
Fear #5: Lack of Recognition
“Do They See My Impact?” – The last thing that Di types fear is not getting the recognition and praise that they deserve for their work. They are natural leaders and performers who like to show off their skills and talents. But when others don’t notice, thank, or reward them for their efforts, they may feel invisible, unappreciated, or taken for granted. Everything DiSC writes that Di styles can be impatient and impulsive when they don’t receive the recognition they feel they deserve.
They might seek attention elsewhere or make snap decisions to get their way. How can Di’s overcome this fear? Well, they can try to track their own progress and achievements, and celebrate their wins, no matter how small. They can also ask for feedback and recognition from others, and express gratitude and appreciation for others’ work. And finally, they can try to be more specific and realistic in their expectations of what they can accomplish and how they will be rewarded for it.
Managing Frustration and Impulsiveness in Di Personality Types
As we have seen, when Di types are faced with situations that trigger their fears and stress, their typical high-energy, charismatic, and enthusiastic behavior can turn into frustration and impulsiveness. Everything DiSC warns that they may push too hard, too fast, or too long, and make snap judgments or decisions without thinking them through. This can be counterproductive, alienating, and even harmful for them and the people around them.
Therefore, it is important for Di types to find ways to cope with their stressors and regulate their behavior. Some possible strategies are: paying attention to their physical and mental state, taking breaks when needed, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation, seeking support and feedback from others, and being open to change and learning.
How Best To Work With Di Personality Types
Di types fear losing their influence, feeling stuck, losing a challenge, being left out, and lack of recognition. They will likely be frustrated and change their energy into impulsiveness when they are stressed out and face these stressors. But knowing what causes their stress and how it affects them can help us understand and empathize with them better.
For Di styles it can also help them reflect on their own behavior and find ways to manage their stress and frustrations. Others who work with them can help them adjust to more effective collaboration and communication by supporting them in times of stress. Be sure to read part 4 of the series to learn more about how Di people will react when they are under pressure.
