The ‘D’ in the DISC Personality Test stands for Dominant. D types are…
- Direct, sometimes blunt
- To the point
- Prone to tell it like it is
D types care about results, and they like to be in charge. They set high standards, both for themselves and others.
Like all other DISC Profile types, they have preferences as to how others interact with them. Below are a few pointers in communicating with a ‘D’.
Spotting a DISC Profile D Personality
Spotting a High D is easy. They tend to be extroverted and fast-paced. They speak louder than others, and may interrupt. They have a natural ‘take charge’ personality, and can easily take over a meeting and set the agenda themselves. This is especially true if, in their eyes, there seems to be a leadership void or no real agenda.
Working On a Project with a High-D DISC Personality
When working on a project with a ‘D’, avoid talking too much or they will lose interest. Approach them directly, tell them exactly what you need to say, and make sure it is concise and to the point. This will let them know that you are competent and that you will not waste their time. This does not mean a high D welcomes rude behavior, but they like to get on with businesss. Direct, no nonsense conversations help toward this end.
Email with the High-D DISC Profile
When emailing with a ‘D’, keep it as short and to the point as possible. Start clearly by making your objectives clear. Include support material, but perhaps as addenda that you reference in the main paragraphs. Try to anticipate and answer whatever questions beforehand. perhaps putting this information in bullet form. If you are overseeing their work, make sure you define the limits of their authority; otherwise they may go outside the limitations. If they attack the idea, don’t confront them directly and take issue with them. Their direct speech may come across as a personal attack, but it is rarely intended that way. Ds interact passionately with ideas as if they had personality. Refrain from taking things personally, or they may see you as oversensitive and avoid interaction.
What Not To Do When Communicating With a DISC Profile High-D Personality
First do not go heavy on chit-chat. It may seem good to you, but in most cases, Ds may see this as a waste ot time. Ds engage their days with internal schedules in small increments. They squeeze each minute for what it is worth, and want those around them to do the same.
Second, do not make things personal, emotional or touchy-feely. Most ‘D’s are more rational than emotional. Also, don’t expect them to pick up on your feelings. That’s not their strong suit. Plus, in their eyes, trying to get them to pick up on your emotions may be seen as manipulative or a time-intensive mind game.
Third, try not to judge them as rude or unkind. While anyone can act this way, it is usually the farthest thing from the mind of D type. In fact, most will be surprised that others are hurt by their words. To them, direct speech, decisiveness, quick action, and a fast pace (seemingly frenzied) feels normal. It is not that they disregard your feelings. They just don’t see them.
Would You Like To Know Your DISC Personality Type?
If you are trying to determine your DISC personality style (you may be a ‘D’ and not even know it), take a look at our DISC Profile Comparison Chart and see which of our products is right for you!
Dr. Carlus Gupton