The Di style in Everything DiSC is a mix of Dominance and Influence. This combination makes Di types energetic, assertive, and forward-moving people who like to take charge. Di personality types are at their best when they lead the way forward with a bold vision that others feel energized to follow. In work settings, they are natural risk-takers, confident persuaders, and effective change agents.
This is the last post in the Everything DiSC series about the Di style and everything DiSC has to say about it. In this post, we will go over why Di types are invaluable at work and how Di’s can fine-tune a little to improve the quality and effectiveness of their leadership so that they can keep their team members engaged.
“Let’s Make It Happen!”: The Energy and Confidence Di Personality Types Bring to Work
Energy and confidence are the hallmarks of the Di type in work settings. Everything DiSC says that their Influential side is what makes Di types enthusiastic and relationship oriented, while their Dominance drives them to lead and get things done. You could imagine a Di manager enthusiastically calling the team together to charge ahead with a project that has a tight deadline. Everything DiSC says that this energy is highly infectious and can raise the morale of everyone in the workplace. One way Di’s can fine-tune and use this strength is to be sure they direct the energy toward the group’s common goals and not just their own so that it is uplifting and not overwhelming for all. Team members can use this high level of engagement by channeling their ideas in a way that feeds the energy of the Di type.
“No Time to Waste!”: The Action-Oriented Focus on Fast Results
Di’s have a strong action-oriented focus on fast results. This is because their Dominant preference is all about results as they define them, which means that they hate to waste time or defer to others. You could imagine a Di entrepreneur pushing ahead with the launch of a new product line or service so that they can get a jump on the competition. Everything DiSC says that this sense of speed and urgency is a major benefit for any workplace, as it is a key driver for top line and bottom line results. The problem is that Everything DiSC says a Di’s impatience and hastiness can derail even the best of intentions. One way to fine-tune this strength is to take a little time upfront for planning that is directly related to the goal, such as a rapid risk analysis or stakeholder assessment. Involve team members to do this by providing quick and efficient data that will help the Di without getting in their way.
“Follow My Lead!”: The Inspiration and Influence Di Types Shine With
Di types have the charisma and assertiveness to inspire and influence others with their vision and bold ideas. They are natural-born leaders who are comfortable taking charge and rallying people around the mission in leadership positions such as sales or project management. You can imagine a Di pitching a new and innovative strategy for the business that could transform the company. Everything DiSC says that this ability to influence and inspire is a huge asset because they generate momentum and progress. The problem is that they often bulldoze ahead without heeding the opinions of more reserved colleagues. One way to fine-tune this is for the Di to take a moment to ask for other points of view. Team members can do this by providing concise and focused feedback to support the Di’s plans.
“Go Big or Go Home!”: The Big Risk-Taking Everything DiSC Di Types Show No Fear
Di types don’t mind taking risks in the workplace. In fact, this big risk-taking is often what leads to the biggest and most dramatic wins. This is because the Dominant drive for success and Influential desire for stimulation and excitement combine in Di types to make them adventurous and overcome obstacles that would stop others cold. You could imagine a Di leading a tech startup who decides to invest in a new and highly innovative product, which ends up being a major success. Everything DiSC says that this is a key strength but that it is necessary to do so with a little more evaluation so that things don’t go too badly. Because not everything is repairable on the “back-end.” One way for Di types to fine-tune this strength is to take a moment and ask a C-style colleague for a risk analysis or a S co-worker for a process outline. Team members can do this by trying to flag potential problems as early as possible and framing them in the context of the Di’s big success.
Everything DiSC Di: Fine-Tuning to Increase Impact
In conclusion, Di types are invaluable because of their energy, their action-orientation along with their ability to inspire and influence others, and their willingness to take risks. However, they can increase the impact and quality of their leadership by slowing down just a little with major decisions, listening more, engaging others and respecting others’ work styles. The best questions for Di’s to ask themselves to see where they can fine-tune include “Do I have to do everything myself?” “Am I really listening?” and “Do I respect and take into account the other work styles around me?” Team members can ask themselves “How can I support and channel the Di’s energy in my own work?” and “How can I channel my ideas in a way that Di types will find useful?”. The Di type is one of the most powerful in Everything DiSC because of their capacity to get results and create high-energy teams.
