DISC D Personality Type: Dominance Profile Style Explained
A Comprehensive Guide to the high D Personality Style in DISC
The DISC personality assessment developed by William Marston measures behaviour across four dimensions:
Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Compliance
The “D” personality type in DISC personality profiling stands for “Dominance.” People with a high D DISC profile have a number of unique behavioural characteristics, communication styles, motivators, strengths and limitations, which make them different from people measuring high in the other three DISC styles.
In this article we provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding and working with the DISC D personality type.
What is a High D Personality?
People who measure high in Dominance tend to be direct and demanding, with a lot of confidence in themselves and their abilities.
Getting results is most important to people with a high D and they are motivated by tough challenges and goals.
They can be good leaders who can make quick decisions and perform well under pressure.
What are the Strengths of the D DISC Style Personality?
One of the key strengths of the D-type personalities is their assertive and results-oriented nature. D-types drive to overcome tough challenges and can usually see the big picture – preferring to focus on solutions rather than problems.
They are proactive self-starters who can make quick decisions. Dominance personalities are also great at driving others to improve productivity.Â
People with a D personality style are naturally independent and innovative, and feel comfortable taking risks where needed. They are great at pioneering, initiating and driving change.
What are the Limitations or Weaknesses of the DISC High D Style?
One of the limitations or weaknesses of the DISC D personality type is that they tend to override other people and overstep authority. The can also be blunt and argumentative.
People with D styles sometimes resist participation as a part of a team, and this can lead to a lack of collaboration and a challenging work environment for others.Â
High D types tend to be restless and can lose interest with routine or detail oriented tasks.Â
What Motivates the High D Personality Style in the Workplace?
People with the D DISC personality style in the workplace are motivated by authority, prestige, independence and a variety of challenging goals and results to achieve.
They will prefer to have the freedom to take risks and make decisions in a fast changing environment without supervision and controls from others. Being naturally competitive, they need frequent opportunities to “win” in order to stay motivated and engaged.Â
Opportunities for advancement is important to this personality style, as is public recognition for their achievements.Â
What are the Fears and De-motivators of the High D Personality Style?
De-motivators for people with the D style include feeling micromanaged, not being able to make quick decisions, and feeling restricted by rules or protocols. High D personality types have a fear of failure, and they will become demotivated by losing control, power or authority.
The DISC high D type will become quickly demotivated without a challenge, a goal to work towards or opportunities for advancement. They can also grow frustrated with routine, repetitive or detail heavy tasks.Â
How to Communicate with a D-Style DISC Type?
People with the DISC communication style who fall into the dominant or D style category are known for their decisive and assertive personalities. To effectively communicate with D-style individuals, it is important to be direct, concise, and to the point.
These individuals prefer clear and straightforward communication, especially when giving instructions or making decisions. They thrive on being in control and on top during crisis moments.
What do D DISC Personalities Offer a Team?
Type D DISC personalities are ideally suited towards directing and managing people in teams to achieve results and overcome challenges. Their ability to make quick and confident decisions under pressure ensures the team doesn’t stagnate and is always making progress towards a task or goal.
The high D is generally unlikely to be swayed by potential instability, chaos, or high risk scenarios. This allows them to provide teams with a level of stability and consistency
For more info, see our guide on using DISC for teams.
How to Support and Manage a High D DISC Profile
To effectively support people with a high D DISC profile, provide direct communication, clear expectations, and opportunities for leadership.
Give them clear goals and deadlines, and allow them autonomy in how they approach and execute tasks, respecting their need for control and self-direction.
Ensure they are provided with support on administrative, routine or detail-oriented tasks so they can focus on the results.
What are the Ideal DISC D Personality Type Careers?
Individuals with a high D personality type are typically decisive, assertive, and driven. They excel in roles that require leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Careers that are ideal for D types include management positions, entrepreneurial ventures, sales, and executive roles. These individuals thrive in dynamic environments where they can take charge and drive results.
How Can D Personalities Modify, Improve and Develop their Behaviour?
One area for personal growth for D personality types is learning to delegate tasks and trust others to handle responsibilities.
Their tendency to take on too much can lead to burnout and inefficiency.
Another growth area is developing more empathy and emotional intelligence, as D Personality Types can sometimes come across as harsh or insensitive. They can also benefit from working on active listening skills.
Author of this Article
Chris Schutte
Chris has 30 years experience as senior manager and entrepreneur in the Human Capital consulting and management industry, using the DISC test in his practices. He has a wealth of experience in business development, Human Resources and Human Capital risk management and turn-around strategies. His leadership experience, runs across various industries including Manufacturing, Retail, HR, etc.