People with the DISC assessment DI (Initiator) personality type tend to approach people and situations in an energetic, lively manner. They are likely to enjoy the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over with strong social skills and a knack for being persuasive.
The Initiator personality type traits
With a position on the middle top of the DISC model map, Initiators are typically perceived as more extraverted, and others may find themselves very engaged and absorbed in interactions. Initiators tend to communicate clearly and vividly to others using an emotionally expressive and demonstrative style.
In summary, DISC type DI personality traits include...
Approach people and situations in an energetic, lively manner.
Eagerly take charge of social situations.
Be vocal about opinions and ideas.
Work with intensity and a sense of adventure.
Use charisma to bring people together, build rapport and share ideas.
Every personality archetype has strengths and blind spots, and these are often amplified in professional settings where we often encounter a diverse group of people with vastly different backgrounds and value systems.
DISC DI style personality strengths
Taking ownership and responsibility over results.
Using verbal inspiration to direct others.
Presenting the big picture enthusiastically.
Quickly spotting new opportunities for advancement.
Taking necessary risks and making bold decisions.
Making decisions without all of the information.
Creating novel solutions to challenging problems.
DISC DI personality weaknesses
Delegating too much and losing sight of the details.
Being too controlling over results.
Providing limited structure for people who appreciate a defined work environment.
Jumping between too many new ideas or opportunities at once.
Working at a pace so fast that it may cause others stress.
Having trouble following consistent, predictable routines.
Being sarcastic too often, which may cause miscommunication with more literal people.
DISC Type DI personality growth opportunities
Recognize when it’s necessary to avoid making jokes.
When working with others, make an effort to follow a more consistent plan or routine.
Learn to let other people take control of projects they may be better suited for.
Avoid pursuing too many ideas at once by writing ideas down as you have them, prioritizing which are most important, and holding yourself accountable to following through with one idea at a time.
Initiators tend to thrive in environments where they can lead others to success and accomplish significant, measurable goals. Initiators can help others think outside the box and make quick decisions, when working alongside those who are more thoughtful, cautious, and reserved. When working with another D-type, it is important for them to communicate calmly, while making a conscious effort to share leadership positions.
Tend to work well with others who...
Take the time to build personal connections
Work hard to achieve professional goals
Welcome feedback or constructive criticism
May hit obstacles in professional relationships when they...
Take the power away from another dominant person
Make a risky decision that doesn’t pay off
Communicate bad news in a way that is perceived as offensive
Feel energized at work when...
They are asked to offer ideas that will help improve a groups’ performance.
Their boss gives them a lot of authority.
Their peers make an effort to listen to their ideas.
Their direct reports think of them as great leaders.
Feel drained at work when...
They need to analyze small details of a problem.
Their boss expects them to follow orders without question.
Their peers refuse to take risks.
Their direct reports take feedback personally.
Initiators thrive in positions where they can pursue ambitious goals, advance quickly, and earn the recognition of their peers. They will typically be very comfortable with competitive environments and may be stressed by environments that are very rigid or structured in their culture.
Commonly the best DI DISC profile job roles
The best jobs for DI personality types allow them to act as leaders and require bold decision-making and innovative problem-solving.
Make sure you stay objective and avoid getting easily captivated or swayed with their persuasion skills.
Meetings should be short and spontaneous, without a rigid agenda.
Email communication tips
Emails should be concise and only include the most important information.
Feedback should be specific and focused on the most critical points.
Conflict should be used to improve and discover better solutions; focus on addressing an issue directly and presenting a way to fix it.
When people experience pain, stress, or dissatisfaction, it can usually be attributed to energy-draining activities. Therefore, it’s important to know what kinds of activities energize each personality type and what activities drain them.
Assigning detailed and analytical work to other people.
Directing and motivating others to improve their performance.
Creating new relationships and winning people over.
Looking for new opportunities without much guidance.
Presenting new ideas to an audience.
Seeking new opportunities with minimal direction.
Taking calculated risks when presented with an opportunity.
Making decisions quickly with limited data.
Bouncing and riffing between multiple ideas at once.
Taking ownership over big initiatives.
Structured and consistent daily agendas.
Providing one-on-one coaching and step-by-step instructions.
Facilitating teamwork between others.
Researching previous ways people have accomplished goals to improve performance.
Minimizing risk with redundancy and analysis.
Providing detailed analysis and reports.
Helping other people make plans.
Clarifying information for others in an organized way.
Communicating the detailed aspects of an important decision.
DISC Type DI Personality Slide Show
Click through the slides below to learn more about DI types: