Allow us to introduce you to your new colleague, Ian. You’ll be collaborating closely with him. Ian is the life of the party, and he has a way of lighting up the room wherever he goes. He’s outgoing, sociable, and loves engaging in lively conversations. Working with Ian can be a delightful experience, as he brings energy and enthusiasm to the team. He’s a natural collaborator and enjoys fostering strong relationships with colleagues.
In this month’s exploration of mastering workplace relationships through the DiSC© personality model, let’s delve into the Influence (i) personality style. Individuals with an i personality are often seen as charismatic and persuasive individuals who excel at building connections. However, if not channeled effectively, this personality style can occasionally (or often) struggle with focus, follow through and organization. Join us as we uncover how to leverage the power of workplace personality dynamics.
Quick Recap of DiSC© Personality Styles
A quick review of the four major personality styles (D – i – S – C) can be found below. As you can see, the i style is enthusiastic and people-oriented. Let’s see how the i style compares with the other three personalities.
Characteristics of the Influence (i) Style
People with the i style are naturally outgoing and charismatic individuals who thrive on building connections with others. They are socially intuitive, effortlessly engage in conversations and enjoy being in the spotlight. Highly people-oriented, they tend to bring a fun and enthusiastic energy to any situation. The i style is expressive, emotional, and loves working with people in a collaborative and interactive manner.
While individuals with an i personality excel in building relationships, networking, and sales due to their strong communication and persuasion skills, they may struggle with task focus and setting boundaries. Also, they can potentially be sensitive and have an elevated need for approval. Being mindful of these aspects can help them maximize their strengths and positively contribute to workplace dynamics.
If You are an i Style
For i style, being naturally outgoing and people-oriented, they may prioritize social interactions over follow through, potentially affecting productivity. They could overlook details and inadvertently dominate conversations, making others feel unheard. Additionally, saying no or setting boundaries may be challenging for them as they strive to please others and maintain positive relationships. Being mindful of these aspects can help i styles maximize their strengths and contribute positively to workplace dynamics.
If you have an i style, embrace your outgoing and sociable nature, as it can foster strong connections with others. However, be mindful of maintaining focus on tasks and prioritizing deadlines for maximum productivity. Leverage your natural charisma and persuasive communication to motivate and inspire your team, positively impacting workplace dynamics. Striking a balance between social interactions and task completion will lead to success and positive outcomes for you and your colleagues.
The i style can increase their workplace effectiveness by practicing some of the following:
- Be mindful of other personalities that place a higher emphasis on data and the bottom line.
- Focus on achieving objectives and contributing to team goals.
- Attentively listen to others, showing genuine interest in their ideas and perspectives.
- Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines while leaving room for social interactions.
- Embrace adaptability and be open to new ideas from colleagues with different styles.
By incorporating these practices, individuals with an i style can enhance their workplace effectiveness, build strong relationships, and contribute to a harmonious and productive team dynamic.
If you work with an i Style
If you work with an i style and want to communicate and interact with them more effectively, consider the following approaches:
- Engage in open and lively conversations, showing genuine interest in their ideas and opinions.
- Maintain a positive demeaner and embrace their persuasive communication style.
- Set clear expectations and deadlines to maintain focus on essential tasks.
- Involve them in collaborative projects where they can utilize their people skills effectively.
- Be an attentive listener, giving them space to express themselves and sharing genuine interest in their viewpoints.
Keep in mind that the i style can be remarkably effective in fostering strong relationships and building connections in the workplace. Their outgoing and sociable nature creates a positive and engaging atmosphere, inspiring teamwork and collaboration. By embracing their persuasive communication style and supporting their social interactions, they can be a driving force for building a cohesive and successful team.
Stay tuned for our next installment, where we will explore the S-style in the DiSC© model. To learn more about leveraging workplace personality dynamics in your organization, contact us at doug@thebeckleygroup.com today.