What Is the D in DISC Personality Test

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The Leadership Program

Dominance, Influence, Steadiness,

When it comes to communicating with and utilizing your staff, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Different personalities require different methods.
People have unique personalities, talents, and traits. Knowing those traits can be useful in delegating them to tasks where they will be of most use. That's why there are so many different personality tests such as the DISC profile test from William Marston
Perhaps you have implemented the DISC personality test and found some D members in your staff. The D stands for decisive and direct. Read on to learn what this disc type is like as well as the strengths and weaknesses of D personalities.

What is the D in the DISC Personality Test

People who fall into the D personality for the DISC assessment tend to be intense, controlling, goal-oriented, and bold. They focus on meeting goals, they aren't afraid of conflict, and they are quick to make decisions. It's no surprise that they often become managers, as these traits often make for a sufficient leader.

Strengths and Weaknesses

D personality types of many strengths and weaknesses. Some of them are as follows:

Strengths:

  • Sets goals they can reach
  • Makes clear plans
  • Quick decision-makers
  • Motivators
  • Able to manage others
  • Takes responsibility

Weaknesses:

  • Opinionated (not willing to hear others opinions or ideas)
  • Not detail-oriented
  • Criticizes harshly without considering emotions of normal people
  • Controlling
  • Not naturally sympathetic or compassionate
  • Inability to rest can take a toll on health

 In summary, D personalities are strong in that they are motivators who are ambitious and good at problem-solving. On the other hand, they tend to be very stuck in their ways and they can be insensitive to others.


Working With D Types

As has been said, D personalities often end up in leadership roles, and for good reason. They are ambitious motivators who know how to help a team meet goals. However, there is a risk of intense communication that could be taken personally.
For this reason, explain to new managers with this personality the ways managers should address employees. They shouldn't be opinionated to the point of always needing to be right. They should hear people's ideas and consider the possibility that it may help achieve goals.
They also need to be able to exercise patience and take at least some time to get to know their employees. Most people want to be treated like humans rather than machine parts. Showing employees that they are cared for will motivate better work.
On a final note, it's important to know that D personalities aren't cold and emotionless dictators. They are ambitious and focused on doing their jobs well, and all they want is respect. Make sure that you treat D types with respect, and they will go out of their way for you.

Hold a Workshop

If you've had your staff take a free DISC personality test, you've now learned some of the strengths and weaknesses of each type, including D types. Now you should learn more ways to leverage the unique traits of your staff. Having a workshop or webinar could be useful in this effort.
The Leadership Program has several different workshops for building effective leaders, which will be incredibly useful for your managers with D personalities. Moreover, they'll learn how to communicate with workers with other personality types, boosting your company's team dynamic.

Request a free consultation with us today.

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The Leadership Program has deep roots in New York City, and our people embody its hope, diversity and transformative culture. We believe in curiosity, open-mindedness and lifelong learning. We apply those beliefs to our methodology in the classroom and the boardroom to inspire and invigorate schools, communities and businesses.