As I had discussed in my previous article, Communication: Friend or Foe?, DISC Is an acronym, which stands for D for Dominant, I for Influencing, S for Steady and C for Compliant communication styles. It further identifies Task-First behavior vs. People-First behavior.
Each behavioral style has instinctive behavioral strengths and limitations. Learning how to maximize your strengths and minimize your limitations is the first step to effective leadership development.
The Maxwell DISC leadership style report will help you identify these strengths and limitations.
Today embarks upon a four-part series to share and illuminate each of the specific DISC styles starting with the Maxwell DISC “D” style.
D – Dominant, Measures how a person solves problems and responds to challenges. The higher the ‘D’ value, the more active and aggressive an individual will be in trying to overcome problems and obstacles.
The lower the ‘D’ value, the less of a need to control or be in a lead position.
Generalization of the “D” style: D’s are an outgoing and task-first style. They are thinkers who are genuinely motivated to win. They are confident, bold and daring and not afraid to meet challenges. They’re the action – “Get’er done.” people.
Behavioral Strengths of the “D”: They are strong-willed, productive, decisive, and practical people. They are also optimistic, and courageous born leaders, who are independent, self-sufficient and resolute.
Behavioral Limitations of the “D.” They may come across as unsympathetic and cold, and sometimes insensitive and inconsiderate. They may also be unforgiving, argumentative and impatient, and absolutely opinionated. And may find it difficult to relax, and won’t give up when losing.
Describing the “D” Dominant style: We use words like dominant, direct, demanding, decisive and determined. They can be intense: they tend to know two speeds in life, zero and full throttle . . . Mostly full throttle.
The “D” Style communicates in a very direct manner saying what they mean and mean what they say.
They decide quickly and almost effortlessly. They don’t mind conflict because they would rather face things head-on than tip-toe around an issue.
They act boldly but with confidence. They would rather do something and take a risk, versus doing nothing at all,
They are results-oriented and willing to overcome challenges as necessary and as required to meet their goals. They like control and choices, and they are comfortable being in charge and delegating.
These are passionate and tremendously loyal people. They also have feelings and personal needs that may not be apparent. If you earn their respect they will move heaven and earth to help you.
Those who work with a “D” style will do well to remember not to take everything that a “D” does or says personally, especially when they are on task.
They like to achieve their goals so it is good to realize that this is the mode they operate in. You will find that a D person can relax after they are able to check off the task at hand, until then they are focused and determined.
D’s can be very caring and the way they express their feelings is not typically by verbal communication, instead, they show they care by doing something for others often behind the scenes.
As you can imagine the application for improved communication, and specifically DISC is endless e.g., From corporate board rooms to mom-and-pop shops. From local municipalities and town councils to large bureaucratic operations. From your local police to vast military operations. From the Sales Department to your kitchen table, again, the applications are endless.
I hope this was helpful, and for more information and for your Maxwell DISC Assessment, feel free to reach out to me.
