D style

When someone has a DiSC D style, you may observe behaviors such as assertiveness, directness, skepticism, and the drive to keep things moving. Common D style traits include:

• determined
• outspoken
• fast-paced
• ambitious

D-style people generally like to be in control of a situation. They find competition to be motivating and typically try to avoid showing weakness. DiSC D style motivators include:

• having authority
• overcoming obstacles
• success, winning

On the Everything DiSC Workplace® model, you’ll see these priorities for DiSC D-style people: results, action, challenge. They want to make their mark and reach their goals quickly. D styles feel most comfortable when they are able to prioritize:

• taking action
• accepting challenges
• achieving results

Although each individual has a unique set of values, you can observe some common patterns among people with similar DiSC styles. For example, DiSC D-style people tend to value autonomy, dynamic environments, and achievement. Other values of the DiSC D type include:

• competency
• action
• concrete results
• personal freedom
• challenges

Knowing common stressors for the D type can help you better understand your D-style coworkers. Managers should keep in mind the situations that tend to stress D styles out, and how they can provide a more motivating and less stressful environment for them. Things that DiSC D-style people find stressful include:

• strict rules or protocols
• lack of control of a given situation

Each DiSC style has core fears. People don’t always recognize these fears on a conscious level, yet the fears inform many decisions and behaviors. D-style people fear:

• being seen as vulnerable
• being taken advantage of

D-type people influence others using the traits and behaviors that come naturally to them. When someone with a D style is trying to influence others, you may notice:

• assertiveness
• insistence
• competition

Like all styles, DiSC D styles in conflict situations can use their natural tendencies in both productive and destructive ways. D-type people in conflict generally address a problem head-on and push to find a resolution rather than having the issue drag on. However, they can also become aggressive, viewing conflicts as situations to win. During conflict, D styles may:

• speak up about problems
• look to even the score

DiSC assessments are great tools for understanding both strengths and weaknesses. Growth opportunities for D-type personalities include:

• patience
• empathy
• not always needing to win, not creating win/lose situations

Because people with different DiSC styles have different communication preferences, you can strengthen your relationships by learning some type D communication tips. If you have a D style, these behaviors may come naturally to you. If you don’t have a D style, you may benefit from reviewing the best way to communicate with D types. Here are some D-style communication tips:

• Give them the bottom line.
• Be brief and speak up.
• Focus your discussion narrowly.
• Avoid generalizations.
• Refrain from repeating yourself.
• Focus on solutions rather than problems.

To run good meetings with D types, review their priorities and motivators. D-style meeting tips include not wasting time and not talking around a problem that could be addressed more directly. Here are some more meeting tips for DiSC D styles:

• They prefer to dive in right away, with minimal small talk and side chatter.
• They appreciate an agenda that everyone sticks to.

When problem-solving with D-type people, remember that they appreciate directness and are naturally skeptical. D styles are generally more interested in big-picture results than detailed analysis. Here are some D-style problem-solving tips:

• Be aware that they respond well to bold or daring ideas.
• Avoid suggesting unrealistically positive scenarios.
• Focus on the big picture and avoid over-analysis.

The Di style is the D style closest to the i quadrant, so Di-type people display some i-style tendencies in addition to D-style behaviors. This means Di-style people are typically the most fast-paced and enthusiastic of the D styles.

Common Di-style traits: dynamic, inquisitive, persuasive, active, rebellious, restless, entrepreneurial, results-oriented, assertive, quick, vocal, enthusiastic, bold, outspoken, colorful, charming

DC-style people share some priorities and behaviors with the C style. This means that of the D styles, DC-style people are usually the most determined and forthright.

Common DC-style traits: diligent, tough-minded, creative, have high standards, determined, perfectionist, take initiative, embrace challenges, blunt, critical, cool, focused, resolute

People who fall solidly in the middle of the D quadrant in the DiSC model are sometimes referred to as having “solid D styles.” Their personalities likely align most closely with the larger D-style qualities discussed on this page.

Common D-style traits: direct, firm, results-oriented, driven, strong-willed, competitive, self-reliant, independent thinkers, ambitious, assertive, straightforward, controlling, easily bored, bold, tough-minded, outspoken, insistent, commanding

fast-paced & outgoing, accepting & warm

cautious & reflective, accepting & warm

cautious & reflective, questioning & skeptical