Communicating with a DISC Profile High I Personality

What is an I Personality Type in the DISC Profile?

Influencers love social situations, from one-on-one, to group, to crowds. They are friendly, outgoing, and persuasive. Most I’s view persuasion as one of their greatest attributes (which other types may see as social dominance or manipulation). They tend to join projects and work with others as a way to gain personal recognition. They are eternal optimists. I’s love working with others and will generally try to turn all work meetings into social gatherings.

Like all DISC Profile types, I’s also have blind spots. They may take too much time to get their points across. They may be overconfident with their social skills, and bend or break the rules, trusting in their ability to charm their way out of trouble. When facing conflict, they may insist, “Just let me in the room to talk to them, and I can fix this!” Others may see I’s as glib or superficial, and may tune out their efforts to soothe the conflict.

Getting Your Point Across to the High-I DISC Personality Type

When starting a conversation with an ‘I’, approach them in a friendly way. I’s are chatty, and by leaning into their strong suit, small talk, you will get their attention easier. They also respond well to ‘touch’, such as reaching out to touch their forearm while laughing at their jokes. Once you approach them, make sure you continually include them in the duration of whatever project you are working. Keep an open door policy with them. Involve them in the brainstorming process, and expect them to respond quickly when asked their opinion.

On the other hand, I’s are better talkers than doers. They may need help setting goals. A team calendar with regularly updated timetables helps them know what to expect. Give plenty of rewards and recognition, which will give them extra incentive to get the work done in the best, and quickest, way possible.

I’s will always work best with someone who is relational, but they also need others who help them concentrate on the task. They may also jump to conclusions without adequate research, so bringing data-oriented people alongside helps.

Things to Avoid When Communicating With a DISC Profile High I Personality

Be careful not to be too blunt or “matter of fact” in your manner. I’s judge others by their social skill, and may shut out people they regard to be rude or insensitive. Try not to ignore their ideas or make them feel like an outsider. Excluding them or their ideas signals social rejection, which is very difficult for I’s to manage. They may get wordy. If so, listen, and then interject a summary paraphrase occasionally, all the while with warm affect so they will know you are tracking with them. Follow up emails may help, as I’s perform better when everything is written down. This includes not only a summary of the tasks they’ve agreed to, but the timeline and instructions as well.

DISC Profile Makes for Better Relationships

Knowing your DISC personality type, and researching other types, is the best way to keep effective communication lines among your friends and coworkers. Familiarizing yourself with the communication styles of each personality type, and adjusting your interactions accordingly, will increase both productivity and morale.

Are Your Ready to Complete the DISC Personality Test?

If you would like to take an individual DISC assessment, head on over to our assessment area and see which package best suits you. If you work in human resources and feel like your work teams could benefit from knowing how each team member falls on the DISC Profile scale, look at our comparison chart and see which package is right for your needs.