Which DISC Personality Type is Most Suited to be a Leader?
Extracts from DISCInsights.com
It’s tempting to make the assumption that there is one personality style that’s most naturally suited to lead. The truth is, great leaders come in all personality types.
People that fall into each of the four major DISC personality styles all have the potential to be effective and capable leaders—their innate leadership styles, however, will naturally be very different from one another.
The special talents that each personality type instinctively bring to a leadership role:
High Dominance
People with a D style like to be in charge. They are content and productive when given a leadership role. They tend to be tough-minded; driven; confident and not afraid of confrontation.
Their leadership style is strong and direct.
They are as demanding of others as they are of themselves. When they give direction, people tend to follow through without debate.
→ D Style Leader: Jack Welch (CEO General Electric)
High Influence
Whereas D style leaders command the respect of others through their direct and demanding personalities, people with an ‘I’ personality are extroverts who bring people together using their persuasiveness and enthusiasm.
They are the kind of leaders people love to be around because of their extrovert personalities.
‘I’ style leaders are great at communication and enjoy an interactive environment, making them masters of creating strong and cohesive teams.
‘I’ style leaders are able to naturally motivate and inspire the people around them. They are likeable, easy to talk to and are often able to diffuse conflict using their sharp sense of humour.
→ I Style Leader: Richard Branson
High Steadiness
S style leaders are collaborative, considerate, and communicative. They place great value on the overall cohesiveness of the group.
They prioritise creating a respectful, positive and mutually beneficial environment.
S style leaders are very attentive to the needs and wellbeing of others. They are good listeners, calm and cooperative.
Great leaders at mediating conflict in a stressful environment.
→ S Style Leader: Larry Page
High Compliance/Conscientiousness
Leaders with a C style personality are methodical and organised. They use their natural strengths in analysis and planning to look at problems from all sides, and put a great deal of thought into calculating any course of action.
Perfectionists at heart, they hold everyone that works for them to high standards of excellence. Leaders with a high C are excellent at enforcing deadlines, creating schedules, and are sticklers for accuracy.
Through demonstrating an example of thoughtful, calculated problem solving, they inspire the people around them to think decisions through carefully and to examine problems from all possible angles.
→ C Style Leader: Steve Jobs
