The High I in the DISC model of behaviour is short for “Influence.” Individuals with a high I DISC profile are naturally enthusiastic and persuasive, thriving on social interactions and relationships. They excel in environments where they can inspire, motivate, and influence others, often using their excellent communication skills to lead and energise teams.
In this article we provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding and working with the DISC I personality type.
What is a High I Personality?
High I or Influence personality type individuals are known for their sociable and outgoing nature.
They are typically charismatic, persuasive, and have a unique ability to connect with others on an emotional level.Â
People with a high I personality trait are often great at motivating and inspiring those around them, which makes them natural leaders and influencers.
Strengths of the "I" DISC Style Personality
I-style personalities are typically optimistic and creative, using their innovative thinking and social intuition to generate creative solutions to challenges, often thinking outside the box.
Limitations or Weaknesses of the DISC I Personality Type
One of the limitations of the high I DISC profile type is that they may overlook potential risks or downsides in their enthusiasm, leading to unrealistic expectations or underpreparedness.
What Motivates the I Personality Style in the Workplace?
The DISC High I personality style in the workplace is typically most engaged when they have opportunities for collaboration and networking where communication is key.
Positive feedback and public acknowledgment of their achievements.
Need the autonomy and freedom to to express their creativity and innovation.
Drawn to roles allowing them to think outside the box and come up with fresh ideas.
Thrive in dynamic environments where there are diverse and changing responsibilities.
Wants a a positive and non-antagonistic work environment.
The workplace should ideally be fun and not overly structured.
Fears and Demotivators of the I DISC Style
Negative feedback or rejection can deeply demotivate people with the high I type personality style, impacting their confidence and enthusiasm.
They also fear:
- Being forced into making unpopular decisions which might affect their relationships with others.
Being ignored or cut off from team interactions and collaborative opportunities.
Lack of autonomy and creative freedom, especially if they feel constrained by overly detailed oversight.Â
- Repetitive, routine tasks without variation or challenge which can quickly lead to boredom and a loss of interest.
How to Communicate with a I-Style DISC Type
When communicating with an I-style DISC type, it is important to be friendly, engaging and personable. Show genuine interest in what they have to say, use an enthusiastic tone and give them opportunities to express their ideas.
When communicating with an I-style DISC type:
In Meetings
Create an energetic and engaging environment where they can contribute ideas and interact with others.
- Allow them to express their ideas and opinions rather than keeping the discussion overly formal.
- Focus on objectives, outcomes and the bigger picture rather than excessive detail.
- Use stories, examples or visual aids to make important points more engaging and memorable.
- Help keep discussions focused, as they may be enthusiastic about exploring new ideas or topics.
Giving Feedback
Frame feedback constructively, balancing areas for improvement with recognition of their strengths and contributions.
- Show appreciation for what they are doing well before discussing areas for improvement.
- Be clear about the specific behaviours or outcomes that need to change.
- Focus on solutions and opportunities for growth rather than dwelling on mistakes.
- Give them an opportunity to respond, discuss their ideas and be part of the solution.
Resolving Conflict
Keep the conversation open, positive and focused on finding a way forward.
- Give them an opportunity to express their perspective and feelings.
- Avoid being unnecessarily blunt, cold or overly formal in your approach.
- Focus on the issue and the desired outcome rather than dwelling on what went wrong.
- Look for common ground and agree on practical next steps to resolve the situation.
What type I DISC Personalities Offer a Team
Individuals with I type DISC personalities bring enthusiasm and positivity, boosting team morale.
People with this behaviour style inspire creativity and encourage innovative thinking and creative solutions, often leading brainstorming sessions and idea generation.
High I type personalities have a charismatic leadership style which engages and motivates team members, driving collective effort towards goals. Their flexible and adaptable style can also help the team navigate through change and uncertainty more easily.
See our guide on using DISC in teams.
What to Expect from Influence Styles in Leadership Roles
High-I leaders often lead through influence rather than authority. They are likely to energise a team, generate enthusiasm around new ideas and use their relationships to bring people on board. They tend to be visible and approachable leaders who enjoy talking with their people and creating momentum.
The trade-off is that their enthusiasm can sometimes run ahead of planning and follow-through. They may move quickly between ideas, lose interest in routine tasks, or assume others are as enthusiastic as they are.
They can also find it uncomfortable to hold people accountable when doing so risks creating tension or damaging a relationship.
How to Support and Manage a High I DISC Profile
When managing high I DISC personalities, it is important to provide clear goals and deadlines while giving them enough freedom to express ideas, be creative and interact with others.
To best support the I DISC profile you should also:
- Encourage Interaction: Provide opportunities for teamwork, networking and collaboration, allowing them to build relationships and thrive in social settings.
- Give Them Opportunities to Lead: Allow them to lead discussions, take on leadership responsibilities and showcase their ideas and strengths.
- Recognise Their Contributions: Regularly acknowledge their achievements and contributions to maintain their confidence, enthusiasm and motivation.
- Support Organisation: Help them develop time management and prioritisation skills, particularly when dealing with routine, detail-oriented or less engaging tasks.
Ideal DISC I Personality Type Careers
- Sales and Marketing: Their persuasive communication skills and enthusiasm make them natural fits for roles in sales, marketing, and business development.
- Public Relations: They will usually perform well in public relations roles, where building and maintaining a positive public image is key.
- Event Planning: Their organizational skills combined with a love for social interaction suit the dynamic and people-oriented nature of event planning.
- Human Resources: Their ability to understand and motivate people positions them well for careers in human resources, focusing on recruitment, training, and team building.
- Training and Development: Passionate about personal growth and helping others, they are often suited to roles that involve training and developing employees.
- Entrepreneurship: Their drive, creativity, and leadership qualities equip them for the challenges of starting and growing their own businesses.
More DISC Styles
D Styles
Fast-paced, results-driven, focused on winning, taking charge, and overcoming challenges directly.
S Styles
Patient, steady, cooperative, focused on supporting others, maintaining harmony.
C Styles
Precise and analytical, focused on accuracy, structure, and maintaining high standards.
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.