i style

When someone has an i style in DiSC, they may come off as expressive, impulsive, and fast-paced. They display many behavioral traits people associate with extroverts. Common i style traits include:

• enthusiastic
• friendly
• energetic
• charming

Motivators for i-type people are typically relational and people-centered. People with i styles feel motivated when situations are fast-moving, novel, and collaborative. DiSC i style motivators include:

• novelty and excitement
• relationships
• popularity/approval/social recognition

The Everything DiSC Workplace model shows these priorities for the DiSC i style: enthusiasm, action, and collaboration. They want to seek new and exciting experiences along with other people. People with i styles prioritize:

• taking action
• collaboration
• expressing enthusiasm

Every person you meet has their own unique set of values. However, you'll notice some common patterns among people with similar DiSC styles. For example, DiSC i-style people tend to value self-expression, connecting with others, and receiving positive attention. Other values of the DiSC i type include:

• relationships
• coaching and counseling
• freedom to express themselves

You can better understand your i-style coworkers if you know common stressors for their style. Managers should be aware of the situations that tend to stress out an i-style employee. Things that DiSC i-style people find stressful include:

• being isolated for long periods
• having to give people negative feedback

Each personality type has core fears. People may not be consciously aware of these fears, but they still influence decisions and behaviors. i-style people fear:

• fixed environments
• loss of approval or attention

i-type people are very concerned with how they influence others (that's what the i in DiSC stands for, after all). People with i styles use the traits natural to them to influence people around them, such as:

• charm
• optimism
• energy

Like all styles, DiSC i styles have personality traits that are both productive and destructive in conflict situations. i-type people in conflict generally help make conflict productive by verbalizing their emotions, thereby modeling this behavior for others. However, i types can struggle with remaining objective during conflict and may find themselves resorting to personal attacks or talking over others. During conflict, i styles may:

• express their feelings
• gossip

DiSC assessments help you understand both strengths and weaknesses. Growth opportunities for i-type personalities include:

• being more objective
• following through on tasks

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

• Focus on the positives.
• Share your experiences.
• Don’t overload them with details.
• Allow them time to ask questions and share their ideas.
• Avoid interrupting them.
• Show respect for their spontaneity, high energy, and optimism.

For effective meetings with i types, review their priorities and motivators. i-style meeting tips include making time for social connections and injecting novelty where possible. Here are some more meeting tips for DiSC i styles:

• They flourish when allowed to express personal opinions.
• They like to have open discussions with others.

When problem-solving with i-type people, remember that they appreciate enthusiasm and the opportunity to express themselves. As you work through a problem, reassure your i-style colleague that your relationship will stay strong even if there are disagreements. Here are some i-style problem-solving tips:

• Remain optimistic while considering all potential issues.
• Show them that you’re open to creative solutions.
• Expect spontaneity.

People with iS styles share some priorities and behaviors with the S style. This means that iS-type people are usually calmer and more moderately paced than others with i styles.

Common iS-style traits: empathetic, warm, friendly, accepting, seek the good in others, calm, collaborative, welcoming, trusting, easygoing, patient, optimistic, cheerful, sociable, encouraging, cooperative, upbeat, conflict-averse

The iD style is the i style closest to the D quadrant, so iD-type people display some D-style tendencies in addition to i-style behaviors. This means iD-style people are typically the most impulsive and persuasive of the i styles.

Common iD-style traits: fast-paced, active, charming, passionate, crave forward momentum, charismatic, high-energy, bold, comfortable improvising, friendly, poised, open, ambitious, self-promoting, influential, adventurous

People who fall near the middle of the i quadrant in the DiSC model are sometimes referred to as having “solid i styles.” Their personalities likely align most closely with the larger i-style qualities discussed on this page.

Common i-style traits: enthusiastic, active, collaborative, upbeat, excited by possibilities, lively, expressive, energetic, charming, magnetic, relationship-focused, trusting, persuasive, fast-paced, social, talkative, verbal processor

fast-paced & outgoing, questioning & skeptical

cautious & reflective, accepting & warm

cautious & reflective, questioning & skeptical