People with the D (Captain) personality type tend to be assertive, intense, and ambitious. They are usually pragmatic, results-oriented executors who work quickly and make decisions with firmness and objectivity. With a position on the top left of the DISC, Captains prefer more independence and may be drained when others expect them to be more collaborative. They also may prefer to be in control over a situation, rather than in a position to react to others.
DISC Type D Personality Traits
Captains tend to be very individualistic and determined. People with this personality type are likely to be self-reliant, resourceful, and self-sufficient in pursuing their daily activities.
They prefer dealing with people in a direct, straightforward manner and are likely to appreciate others engaging them with similar candor. Because Captains tend to be quite comfortable with conflict, they may initiate competitive interactions and would benefit from realizing that their desire to win may be stronger than their sensitivity to the needs of others.
In summary, DISC type D personalities tend to...
Be resourceful, strong-willed, and self-reliant in pursuing goals.
Enjoy engaging others in competitive situations.
Place high expectations on performance from themselves and others.
Enjoy lively debate.
Resists influence from others.
DISC Type D Personality Strengths
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.
Strengths typically associated with the DISC type D personality include...
Communicating directly, using facts and informal language.
Focusing on results and realistic expectations.
Being very firm and conclusive when making decisions.
Using a goal-oriented approach to assigning work, omitting unnecessary details.
Operating with a sense of urgency.
Motivating others by creating competitive challenges.
Directing others in an impersonal manner with clarity and precision.
Expressing a desire for control and autonomy.
DISC Type D Personality Weaknesses
Weaknesses typically associated with the DISC type D personality include...
Failing to involve others in problem-solving due to a desire for an immediate solution.
Omitting too many details for the sake of brevity.
Displaying impatience when providing detailed instruction.
Having the urge to criticize others who do not share a sense of urgency.
Maintaining control by delegating responsibility but not authority.
Directing others so forcefully that they don't ask questions or discuss potential problems.
Reacting aggressively when others try to limit authority or autonomy.
Working with such a sense of urgency that it may cause others unnecessary stress.
DISC Type D Personality Growth
Growth opportunities typically associated with the DISC type D personality include...
Practice letting go of the little things and avoid rushing others when it’s not absolutely necessary.
Talk to other people to gain insight on details you might be overlooking.
Try phasing-in big changes or giving people a notice before they’re implemented.
Make an effort to spend one-on-one time with people who need it.
How DISC Type D personalities like to work
Communicating with a DISC type D personality
Conversation should be direct and straightforward, using a confident and assertive tone.
Meeting with a DISC type D personality
Meetings should be very brief, to the point, and only scheduled when necessary.
Emailing a DISC type D personality
Emails should be brief, business-like, and concise.
Giving feedback to a DISC type D personality
Feedback should be direct, actionable, and focused on the most important points.
Resolving conflict with a DISC type D personality
Conflicts should be addressed objectively and in a timely manner.
DISC Type D Personality Motivations
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.
DISC Type D personality types tend to be motivated and energized by...
Completing ambitious projects on a tight deadline.
Taking primary responsibility and ownership over large projects.
Making decisions quickly with limited data.
Making decisions on behalf of other people.
Setting up and participating in competitions.
Seeing tangible, measurable results, milestones, and accomplishments.
Providing goal-focused direction to others without needing to provide detailed instructions.
DISC Type D Personality Stress
DISC Type D personality types tend to be drained by...
Paying close attention to the needs and concerns of other people.
Playing an exclusive supporting role on the team.
Responding to difficult situations with empathy and compassion.
Promoting teamwork and cooperation between multiple parties.
Following up and checking in with other people when they are dealing with a challenge.
Taking lots time to understand how people are feeling about a recent change.
Building long-term trust and loyalty with consistent, predictable behavior.
DISC Type D Personality Careers
Captains tend to thrive in a fast-paced environment that allows them to act quickly and achieve set goals. They enjoy working with other motivated people who allow them to take charge or work independently.
DISC Type D personality types feel energized at work when...
They are asked to make a quick decision on behalf of the team.
Their boss gives them a great deal of responsibility.
Their peers participate in healthy competition.
Their direct reports work efficiently.
DISC Type D personality types feel drained at work when...
They have very little control over their assignments.
Their boss disregards their input.
Their peers take a long time to work through tasks.
Their direct reports need a lot of guidance.
Captains tend to gravitate toward positions of authority. They can be huge sources of motivation and they set an aggressive pace meant to achieve results as efficiently as possible.
They can also be relentlessly competitive, with themselves and with others. Asking a Captain to do anything they perceive as tedious or mundane will likely result in them either ignoring the request or delegating it to someone else.
Common jobs for people with the DISC type D personality
CEO
Executive
Founder
Entrepreneur
Lawyer
Operations manager
Police Officer
Director
DISC Type D Personality Relationships (Professional)
When Captains work alongside people who are relaxed and thoughtful, they can help move the team move forward by driving productivity. If they work with another Captain, it’s important that they find a way to accept a balance of power.
DISC Type D personality types tend to work well with others who...
Think through situations logically
Communicate in a direct, blunt way
Enjoy following direction
DISC Type D personality types may hit obstacles in professional relationships when they...
Become upset after failing to accomplish a team goal
Feel their authority is challenged
Address more sensitive people in a frank, straightforward way
DISC Type D Personality Relationships (Romantic)
Captains can be honest, dedicated partners. When in a relationship with another assertive personality, it’s important that they work together to establish a more balanced dynamic.
In a romantic relationship, the DISC type D personality brings strengths like...
Ability to make difficult decisions
Encouraging their partner to maintain healthy independence
Naturally open, direct communicators
In romantic relationships, DISC type D personality types may have trouble...
Being emotionally vulnerable with their partner
Offering frequent verbal encouragement
Recognizing when to let go of a small issues
Related Personality Types
Below are the Enneagram and 16-Personality types that are similar to DISC Type D.
Select the word that most describes you and the word that least describes you. Once you complete the DISC assessment below, you'll be able to see your DISC type.
