The purpose of learning each other’s personality with the DISC is to lay a foundation of mutual understanding which will help us build positive communication based on individual strengths and areas of improvement. When we effectively communicate and reach each other’s core “being,” we validate our identity and purpose as a family, neighborhood, or community.
To understand ourselves and others, we will look at the DISC Model of Human Behavior as a tool to “assist us in building communication and connection by understanding values, beliefs, individual motivators, and primary fears of each person.”1
The DISC model is an observation about human nature and human behavior based on our human tendencies to be:
- Outgoing/Task-Oriented
- Outgoing/People-Oriented
- Reserved/People-Oriented
- Reserved/Task-oriented
Today, we will be looking at the Outgoing/Task-Oriented or D Personality.
D Personality
The outgoing, task-oriented personality focuses on results and the bottom-line. “They believe you should lead, follow, or get out of the way! Here are other words to describe them:
- Decisive
- Direct
- Daring
- Dreamer
- Demanding
- Doer
- Defiant (their challenge)”2
There are High D’s and Low D’s. The High D’s are known for their problem solving while the Low D’s are known for their planning.
High D Personality – The Problem Solver
High Di’s are known for their decisive ability to make quick decisions and solve problems. This can be because they are action-oriented and because they trust their instincts.
High D Personality Traits
- Decisive actions
- Competitive
- Opinionated
- Results-oriented
High D Personality Strengths
High D’s are quick to make decisions. They are focused on the big objectives and tasks that help them achieve group goals. High D’s act with a sense of urgency to get things done, perform well in challenging situations and are willing to take risks.
High D Personality Areas for Improvement
High D’s need to improve how they interact with others. High D’s tend to display impatience during instruction, they can create unnecessary stress in others because of their sense of urgency, and they can be quick to judge people and situations which puts them at risk for finding incorrect solutions.3
Low D Personality – The Planner
Low D’s are known for their patience when it comes to solving problems. They like to learn all the facts before making their well-informed decision, and taking action.
Low D Personality Traits
- Careful when making decisions
- Patient before taking action
- Reliant on others
- Inclusive of other’s opinions
- Like to collaborate, gain perspective, deliberate
Low D Personality Strengths
Low D’s are able to solve routine problems very quickly; plan carefully with attention and focus on detail. Low D’s appreciate input from those around them.
Low D Personality Areas for Improvement
Low D’s can be shackled by fear of making a mistake or the wrong decision. They can be hesitant to try untested solutions and they may appear indifferent to a project when really they just need more details.4
Positive D Personality Characteristics
A positive D is direct and decisive and gets things done. Their firm, results-oriented mentality helps to accomplish the task or project. Their adventurous nature thrives on challenge. Because they see the “big picture,” generate ideas, solve problems, they make things happen.
Their independent, self-reliant, entrepreneurial spirit allows them to soar above obstacles. They desire productivity and are motivated by excellence or winning. They are born leaders.
Those with D personalities enjoy solving problems, accomplishing tasks, and achieving goals. They enjoy challenges and are good with voicing the opinions. If you like those who are optimistic, self-confident and direct, you will appreciate those with a D personality.
Challenging D Personality Characteristics
A negative D is domineering and demanding. Their forceful, strong-willed mentality causes them to steamroll over others, and can derail the task or project they are trying to complete.
Their aggressive, competitive, and independent spirit can cause them to be demanding and controlling. They gain security from being the boss who is in control and become irritated with people who are indecisive and inefficient.
Communicating with a D Personality
When communicating to a D, it is best to be clear and specific about an action plan; don’t ramble about nothingness. Be brief, but thorough. Provide direct answers to their questions.
If you are in a position of authority, outline steps for the D personality to take leadership roles as they are natural leaders. If you state your priorities of goals and results, answer their “What?” questions, then the D will see that your priorities are completed with excellence.
Famous D Personalities
Steve Jobs, Gordon Ramsey, Venus Williams, Simon Cowell, Oprah Winfrey, and Margaret Thatcher.
Famous D Personality Presidents
President Abraham Lincoln and President Ulysses S. Grant were both overcomers in the presidential office.
Purpose for Understanding D Personalities
The purpose of learning each other’s personality with the DISC is to lay a foundation of mutual understanding which will help us build positive communication based on individual strengths and areas of improvement. When we effectively communicate and reach each other’s core “being,” we validate our identity and purpose as a family, neighborhood, or community.
In this overview, we are not trying to label people or to imply that we can only function in one predictable manner. Rather, we are stating the four relatively predictable patterns of behavior help us gain insight into our behavioral tendencies, so that we can understand ourselves and others.
When we understand the great leadership qualities a D brings to the table, we value their ability to problem-solve and plan using the “big” picture to overcome obstacles and get the task before them accomplished with excellence. ~Lisa Blair
We can appreciate all the D is trying to overcome internally by facilitating them towards a less demanding and non-controlling tendencies in their leadership style. We all come out the winner when we value and encourage the D’s leadership in our family, neighborhood, or community-at-large.
D Personalities are born leaders.
Recommendation:
The Art of Encouragement – Strength with Dignity
References:
1 Lamielle, Lindy. Three Benefits for Family Communication with DISC. Published by DISC Insights. Retrieved August 9, 2022, from https://blog.discinsights.com/three-benefits-for-family-communication-with-disc
2Understanding DISC. Published by Angel on Personality Profiles. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from Understanding DISC – Personality Profiles
3 Problem Solver High D. Published by wizehire. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from DISC Profile: High D Personality Type (Problem Solver) – WizeHire
4 Planner Low D. Published by wizehire. Retrieved August 8, 2022, from DISC Profile: Low D Personality Type (Planner) – WizeHire
Harris, Guy. The DISC Model of Human Behavior – A Quick Overview. Published on The Recovering Engineer in April 2010. Retrieved August 3, 2022, from The DISC Model of Human Behavior – A Quick Overview | Guy Harris: The Recovering Engineer
6 thoughts on “D Personality – How to Understand Ourselves and Others Pt 1”
So much here to take in, Lisa! I like that you detail positives and negatives of the personality type, and ways to improve. Such helpful information for understanding and working with others, not to mention serving their real needs!
I’m so glad you found this helpful, Donna. I think the DISC personality assessment is one of the easiest to understand, and a basic knowledge of it has helped me tremendously through the years.
Hi Lisa,
A couple of my strong, decisive loved ones are D’s and I’m amazed by their energy and ability to shift into what my husband calls “work mode”.
Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
Tammy
D’s have an amazing amount of energy, Tammy, and I like your husband’s phrase, “work mode” as it describes their drive so well.
I remember the DISC. I went to a training when I worked in social services. Thank you for bringing this back to mind for me. I agree it is so important to learn communication.
Thank you for linking up with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.
I think the DISC is helpful in understanding our relationships, Paula. Thanks for hosting!