DiSC iD styles

What do the ‘i’ and the ‘D’ in DiSC mean?

The i in the Everything DiSC® model stands for influence. The D stands for dominance. People whose DiSC® profile shows an iD style display both the influence of the i style and the dominance of the D style. They are bold and passionate, bringing energy and optimism to their work. They are action-oriented and are comfortable making decisions on the fly.

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DiSC iD style characteristics | Working well with DiSC iD-style people |
Similar styles: i and Di

iD styles are fast-paced & outspoken. This DiSC map shows fast-paced & outspoken by D and i styles, cautious & reflective by C and S styles, questioning & skeptical by C and D styles, and accepting & warm by i and S styles.

What is a DiSC style blend?

Everyone is a mixture of all DiSC styles, but most people tend toward one or two. While some individuals' DiSC assessment results will show a style with just one letter (D, i, S, or C), others will show a 2-letter style (iD, SC, CD, etc.).

These 2-letter styles are style blends, and they indicate that an individual's personality type falls between two of the four main quadrants.

DiSC assessment takers can see this clearly in their results by looking at where their dot is placed on the DiSC map. If your dot is close to the border with another style, you probably show traits associated with that style, as well. Thus, i styles often share characteristics with the D and S styles.

The Everything DiSC test is calibrated to help you discover which main DiSC style quadrant you fall into, and if your results show a blend, which style blend best fits you.

Circle showing the twelves DiSC style wedges, with the iD style highlighted

Dot placement

There's a lot of variety within each of the four main DiSC styles. People with iD styles share many high-level traits, but each iD-style person manifests the style differently. The dot placement on your Everything DiSC profile will help you discover your unique place on the DiSC map.

For example, you might be strongly inclined to the iD style with your dot appearing on the far edge of the circle and near the border between the i and D lines. Or you might be slightly inclined toward the i style with your dot appearing closer to the middle and centered in the i quadrant.

Learn more: DiSC^® dot and priorities explained

DiSC map showing the eight scales. iD-style people score high on the Di/iD scale.

How do you get typed as an iD style in DiSC?

The DiSC model, at its foundation, is two-dimensional, measuring:

pace (from fast-paced and outspoken to cautious and reflective)
agreeableness (from questioning and skeptical to accepting and warm)

These two scales form the four primary DiSC quadrants.

However, these are just a starting place for the Everything DiSC assessment. This assessment will tell you not only your main DiSC style (D, i, S, or C) but also which of the 12 style blends best represents you and how strongly you align with those traits.

A more detailed look at the DiSC map reveals both the four main quadrants and eight scales.

Everything DiSC® assessments measure respondents on these eight scales: D (Dominance), Di/iD, i (influence), iS/Si, S (Steadiness), SC/CS, C (Conscientiousness), and CD/DC.

People with the iD style score highest on the Di/iD scale. Further, their responses show tendencies slightly more in line with the i style than the D style. People with i styles are outgoing and enthusiastic. D-style folks are action-oriented and ambitious. iD styles are a blend of the two, with a bit more i than D.

This is another way that Everything DiSC accounts for how varied our personalities can be!

Why is the i in iD lowercase?

The small i in DiSC helps you distinguish Everything DiSC® and DiSC® Classic products from other assessments based on the DISC model. Learn what makes Everything DiSC different.

Think you have an iD style?

Take your Everything DiSC Workplace assessment today to find out. Learning more about your DiSC style can help you harness your strengths and build new connections both in and out of the workplace.

Take the DiSC assessment

DiSC iD style characteristics

Personality traits are informed by the driving assumptions that we have. These driving assumptions aren't always obvious. They tend to be more hidden, unconscious beliefs that shape our personalities and influence our decisions.

Individuals with a DiSC iD style typically have core psychological needs including the need for growth and change, achievement, and action. People with iD styles will identify with these unconscious beliefs to varying degrees. Here are some ways that these core needs of iD-type people show up in their personalities and behavior.

Common traits:

When you meet a DiSC iD style individual, they may come off as bold, charismatic, and full of energy. They display many behavioral traits people tend to associate with extroverts. Common iD style traits include:

friendly
influential
adventurous
charming
poised

Motivations:

iD-type people typically enjoy making swift progress toward their goals, and are comfortable making decisions on the fly. They are motivated by a balance of action and enthusiasm. iD styles often use their upbeat energy and charisma to rally people around original ideas. Some other DiSC iD style motivators include:

pursuing ambitious new ideas and projects
maintaining a fast pace
leveraging relationships to achieve accomplishments

Priorities:

The Everything DiSC Workplace® model shows these priorities for the DiSC iD style: action, enthusiasm, and results. They want to think creatively and achieve their goals. People with iD styles prioritize:

achievement
finding new opportunities or better ways to do things
bringing optimism and expression to their work

What they value:

While every person you meet has their own unique set of values, you might notice some common patterns among people with the same DiSC styles. For example, DiSC iD-style people tend to value personal autonomy and swift progress toward key goals. DiSC iD type also value:

approval from their colleagues
stimulation and dynamic environments
self-expression

Stressors in the workplace:

You can begin to build better working relationships with your iD-style coworkers if you understand what situations tend to stress them out. Doing so will equip you to provide better support for iD-style individuals when these situations arise. Things that DiSC iD-style people find stressful include:

being ignored
being asked to do work that is repetitive or too “behind-the-scenes”
the status quo
fixed environments

Fears:

Each personality type has core fears, even if they aren't consciously aware of them. These fears can influence decisions and behaviors. iD-style people fear:

loss of approval
being deprived of personal agency

How they influence others:

iD-type people are known for being particularly influential. People with iD styles use the traits natural to them to influence people around them, such as:

boldness
passion
positivity

How they handle conflict:

Like all DiSC styles, iD-style individuals have personality traits that are both productive and destructive in conflict situations. iD-type people in conflict want to take action and find a resolution, so they acknowledge tough issues and encourage an open dialogue. However, iD types can let their expressive sides get the best of them and lash out at others or make emotionally charged comments. During conflict, iD styles may:

talk over others
become impulsive

May need to work on:

DiSC assessments help you understand areas that you could work on to cultivate growth in the workplace and beyond. Growth opportunities for iD-type personalities include:

being more objective
following through on tasks
showing patience
receiving criticism

iD-style managers

iD-type people are inspiring managers who enjoy finding opportunities for collaboration and innovation. They tend to recognize their team members for their achievements.

Learn more about the strengths of iD-style managers alongside some insights that can help them hone their management skills! Read more on our learning hub.

iD-style managers are outgoing, enthusiastic, and optimistic

Working well with DiSC iD-style people

iD-style teammates contribute a driving energy to their team dynamics. They are always open to exploring new ideas and methods that haven't been tried before. While tips for working with an iD style will vary based on your DiSC style, there are some general tips that can help you work better with your iD style teammates.

Communicating with iD styles

People with different DiSC styles have different communication preferences, so you can strengthen your relationships by learning some communication tips for each style. If you have an iD style, these behaviors may come naturally to you. If you don't have an iD style, you may benefit from reviewing the best way to communicate with your iD-type colleagues. Here are some iD-style communication tips:

Listen to their ideas.
Express interest in them and make time to chat with them.
Avoid bogging them down with unnecessary details.
Work collaboratively with them.

iD styles in meetings

For effective meetings with iD types, review their priorities and motivators. iD-style meeting tips include making time for a balance of brainstorming, progress updates, and social connection. Here are some more meeting tips for DiSC iD styles:

Share ideas and successes.
Be patient and help them prioritize when they need to be detail-oriented and complete tasks.
Allow them opportunities to express themselves.

Problem-solving with iD styles

When problem-solving with iD-type people, remember that they can be passionate, and they appreciate creativity and bold solutions. As you work through a problem, remember to actively listen to their perspective, even if their delivery is emotional. Here are some iD-style problem-solving tips:

Engage in open debate in the pursuit of good ideas.
Realize that you may have to speak up for your opinions and needs at times. Otherwise, they may go unnoticed.
Acknowledge their feelings.
Let them know that your relationship is still solid despite your differences.

Do iD style people make good salespeople?

Salespeople with iD styles use their energy and confidence to create a sense of momentum. They are goal-oriented and want the freedom to set their own course.

Find more information about the 8 styles of salespeople and how you can stretch into different sales styles to meet the needs of your customers on our learning hub!

Similar styles: i and Di

The Everything DiSC circumplex is divided into 12 distinct styles. The wedges on either side of the iD wedge are i and Di. This means the i and Di styles are most similar to the iD style.

The i style

People with i styles share many similarities with iD-style individuals, but are likely a bit more empathetic, energetic, and social.

Learn about i styles

The Di style

As you would expect, Di-type folks have a lot in common with iD-style people. Both styles score high on the Di/iD scale. People with Di styles tend to be somewhat more results-oriented and dominant than iD-style individuals.

Learn about Di styles

Other styles

D styles

fast-paced & outgoing, questioning & skeptical

Learn about D styles

S styles

cautious & reflective, accepting & warm

Learn about S styles

C styles

cautious & reflective, questioning & skeptical

Learn about C styles

What is your style?

Do you have the DiSC iD personality type? If so, how does your unique personality differ from the typical iD type? Taking a DiSC assessment is the first step toward understanding yourself better and forming better relationships at home and work. We recommend you start your DiSC journey with Everything DiSC Workplace.

Take a DiSC assessment