The Di style in Everything DiSC combines Dominance and Influence traits, making Di’s charismatic, high-energy, and results-driven. While their bold, fast approach can motivate teams to action, it may clash with other styles. Fortunately, by adapting their style to fit others, Di types can improve collaboration and achieve better outcomes. In this post, we’ll show how Di personality types can work well with each style, sharing tips to reduce friction and increase impact.
With Other Everything DiSC Di Types
Di types and other D or i types can be a whirlwind of action and influence, both enjoying control and high results. A Di’s and Di team might quickly push a project forward, motivated by bold ideas. However, they may also compete for influence and control, leading to power struggles because of their strong sense of ownership. Imagine two Di managers trying to dictate a project’s direction without listening to each other, creating a stalemate. Everything DiSC says Di’s and Di can share leadership and influence to prevent conflict, such as by setting boundaries like alternating decision-making. Colleagues can help by encouraging teamwork and framing shared goals as a win for both, ensuring a spirited but collaborative pace.
With D (Dominance) Types
Di types and D types have a natural connection over their direct, fast-paced style, both emphasizing results. A Di and D pair might swiftly take on a daring project, motivated by shared confidence. These similar levels of Dominance may lead to power struggles if both want to lead. Everything DiSC notes Di’s can avoid this by aligning on shared goals early, focusing on the outcome rather than who’s in charge and maybe even relying on others ti helo break impasses. Di’s can also practice deferring to D types’ expertise in areas they’re strong in. D colleagues can help initiate this approach by communicating goals and expectations clearly, which lowers tension and leverages their shared drive to succeed.
With I (Influence) Types
Pairing Di with I types can be a highly exciting, energetic partnership, as both love enthusiasm and big ideas. A Di’s and I might collaborate on a colorful campaign, bouncing off each other’s energy. But, their common Influential traits can lead to a lack of follow-through and attention to detail as all ideas feel urgent. Everything DiSC advises Di’s to put in place clear next steps to maintain momentum, like using a task tracker. I colleagues can support this by working harder to commit to deadlines, ensuring their shared vision translates into concrete results.
With C (Conscientiousness) Types
C types offer depth and structure, which can complement the Di’s big-picture boldness but also challenge them to their limits. A Di might suggest an ambitious, grand strategy, which a C can ground by analyzing and ensuring it’s realistic and feasible. The Di’s can become easily frustrated when C types seem too slow or risk-averse, while Cs see Di as reckless and brash. Everything DiSC recommends the Di style value the C type’s attention to detail, which they can do by involving them in creating plans. Di can also ask C colleagues for a one-page risk assessment of ideas to bridge styles. C colleagues can help by packaging feedback on how to help the Di achieve their goals while learning to temper their own need for perfection.
With S (Steadiness) Types
S types have patience and steadiness, which can bring balance to the high energy of Di types. A Di might push for fast changes, while an S offsets it by ensuring things are consistent first, like refining a process before implementation. However, S types may struggle with the Di’s perceived aggressiveness or impatience, causing conflict. Everything DiSC suggests the Di slow down slightly, value the S type’s steady contributions and involve them early in the process so they have time to develop their valuable approach. The Di can check in with S colleagues on how fast is too fast, which builds trust. S colleagues can help by stating their needs directly and early, so the Di can adjust without feeling held back.
Adapting for Better Results
Di types can work effectively with all styles by adapting their approach to others’ needs and preferences. Small tweaks, like sharing control with Di, setting clear goals with D, guiding I types to focus on tasks at hand, valuing S steadiness and process orientation, or embracing the C’s desire for structure and detail, can significantly enhance impact. The best place for Di’s to start is learning teammates’ DiSC styles. Colleagues can support them by communicating their preferences early-on and clearly to better sync with the Di’s energy.
Personality Di Types Can Excel With Other Styles
Di types can excel with other styles by respecting and adapting to their strengths and needs, like sharing leadership with Di, aligning on goals with Ds, channeling and focusing I types, respecting S types’ stability, and embracing C types’ structure. These tweaks to their approaches improve teamwork without dimming their spark. For Di’s, reflecting on these strategies can improve collaboration. Clear communications about preferences in advance can help sync with the Di’s high energy for a winning combination. Stay tuned for Part 9, where we’ll cover why a Di is an invaluable asset to any team.
