People with the D 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. They also may prefer to be in control over a situation, rather than in position to react to others.
What is the S Personality Type?
People with the S personality type tend to be calm, patient and respectful in their interactions with others. Rarely angered or excited, they are likely to work to maintain a peaceful and harmonious environment. By respectfully considering the thoughts and feelings of others, they are likely able to respond empathetically in difficult or stressful situations.
Communication
How can D types and S types communicate effectively with each other?
D-types are generally logical, direct, and clear when addressing others, whileS-types tend to be more personal and polite.
To effectively communicate, D-types should use a calm, warm tone and ask questions, while S-types should try to be more open and honest when addressing concerns or sharing ideas.
Resolving Conflict
How can D types and S types resolve conflict?
D-types tend to view conflict as a way to grow and improve and are naturally blunt when communicating their own thoughts. S-types generally dislike conflict, preferring to calmly work through a problem with empathy. D-types should ask S-types questions about their perspective, while consciously maintaining a patient, encouraging tone. S-types should face conflict head-on by clearly communicating their concerns. Both personalities should work together to find a working solution.
Building Trust
How can D types and S types build trust?
D-types are likely to trust S-types who are not easily offended and can communicate their needs effectively.
S-types tend to trust D-types who can be personable, patient, and positive when addressing others.
D-types tend to be energetic, action-oriented, and logical. They offer quick-thinking and efficiency to a workplace. They can help S-types make more objective decisions.
S-types are usually friendly, sincere, and dependable. They bring peace and empathetic-reasoning to a work environment. They can help D-types consider how their actions affect others.
Dealing with Change
How can D types and S types deal with change?
D-types tend to be relatively adaptable, due to their quick-thinking and desire to succeed.
S-types, however, tend to prefer stability in their personal environment and may initially be thrown-off by a new situation. They will likely adjust after taking time to understand and appreciate the change.
Managing Stress
D types and S types need to seek to understand what brings stress to the other type and should try to avoid causing it when possible.
D types are easily stressed by...
Responding to situations with empathy or compassion
Paying close attention to the needs and concerns of others
Playing a smaller supporting role on a team
Promoting cooperation between parties
S types are easily stressed by...
Being in the spotlight or the center of attention
Frequently working on a tight deadline
Critically questioning practices and procedures
Using a forceful or direct approach with others
D-types should avoid pushing S-types to work quickly, while S-types should avoid using emotional phrasing around D-types.
Encouraging and Motivating
D types and S types can encourage and motivate each other in their personal and professional lives.
D types are motivated by...
Taking primary responsibility and leadership over a project
Making decisions quickly with limited data
Setting up or participating in competitions
Seeing tangible, measurable results
S types are motivated by...
Affirmation or appreciation from their coworkers
Thoughtfully responding to questions from others
Encouraging teamwork and personal connections
Paying attention to the needs and concerns of other people
D-types can motivate S-types by recognizing and appreciating their contributions to the team.
S-types can encourage D-types by allowing them to take charge of important situations.
DISC Assessment
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.