tl;dr As an 'i' style person, I'm generally pretty enthusiastic and outgoing – I really thrive on connecting with people, collaborating, and looking at things optimistically. Getting people excited about ideas and bringing energy to the table is something I genuinely enjoy and feel comes naturally, likely because I value connection, expressing myself, and feeling appreciated. I know sometimes my focus on keeping things positive might mean I gloss over tricky details or avoid conflict, and my fast pace or tendency to talk things through might overwhelm quieter folks or mean I jump into action without enough planning. It's really about channeling that energy effectively and remembering to slow down and tune into the details and different perspectives when needed!
Guadalupe, people with the i style tend to be enthusiastic and outgoing with a collaborative and optimistic outlook.
You'll get to know more about what your i style means for you, but first, here's a quick overview of the DiSC® model and the four basic styles:
This is your personal DiSC map. Your dot or photo shows just where you fall on the circle, and the shading represents your comfort zone.
You fall toward the edge of the circle, meaning you're strongly inclined toward your i style, and you probably relate well to those characteristics.
Because you have an i style, Guadalupe, you probably thrive on relating to other people. You tend to have an extensive network of friends and colleagues, and you may view a roomful of strangers as a fun opportunity to connect. Similarly, you're likely to get personal satisfaction out of introducing people who would not otherwise meet.
Because you're optimistic and enthusiastic, you may find it easy to get people excited about your goals and ideas. When you speak, you're likely to promote your opinions with passion and wholeheartedness. You may find that many people find your enthusiasm contagious. However, those who are more skeptical may feel that you are overly optimistic and are trying to sell them on emotion.
When communicating, you tend to be very expressive, and you may dial up your volume and gestures to get people's attention. Compared to most people, you have a stronger urge to process your feelings by verbalizing them. Because you're so open, you may often share personal information with little prompting, even with people you've just met. At times, your talkative nature may cause you to monopolize conversations, particularly with those who are more soft-spoken.
You genuinely enjoy being around other people, so you're probably drawn to projects where you can work collaboratively. In group settings, you're often able to bring people together. Most likely, you see team brainstorming sessions as leading to endless possibilities, and you tend to actively solicit ideas from other people. However, because you naturally want to connect and collaborate with others, you may not realize that some people require more personal space.
Like others with the i style, you may tie your self-worth closely to your social circle. You strive to make favorable impressions whenever possible, and you're comfortable being the center of attention. In fact, you're probably a gifted storyteller who can entertain others in a colorful, engaging way. While you may enjoy being the life of the party, others may be put off by your need for the limelight.
You tend to be accepting of new people and ideas. As a result, when other people offer their opinions, you're often reluctant to give negative feedback for fear of being seen as the “bad guy.” At times, your optimism may also cause you to overestimate your own abilities or misjudge the difficulty of a task. However, your positive outlook can inspire others to reach new heights.
In conflict, you may be inclined to brush any unpleasantness under the rug for as long as possible. However, if your anger, frustration, or hurt reaches a breaking point, you may lash out emotionally or say things you later regret. While such venting may feel therapeutic, you may not realize that emotions of this magnitude can make other people extremely uncomfortable.
Because you tend to get bored with routine, you like to have a variety of tasks on your plate. While your quick pace and tendency to change directions may seem erratic to some people, you have a strong ability to initiate action and make gut-instinct decisions. Although you're often excited to start a new project, you may sometimes dive in without adequate planning or resources. Because you're probably confident in your ability to improvise, you may prefer a more free-flowing approach.
Guadalupe, like others with the i style, your most valuable contributions to the workplace may include your ability to generate excitement, your high energy, and your desire to bring people together. In fact, these are probably some of the qualities that others admire most about you.
We hope this resonates with you, Guadalupe. Still, it's important to remember that DiSC isn't the whole story, for you or anyone else. As you learn more about your own and others' DiSC styles, keep these key ideas in mind:
- All DiSC styles and priorities are equally valuable and everyone is a blend of all four styles.
- Your work style is also influenced by other factors, such as life experiences, education, and maturity.
Like everyone, you probably find some parts of your work motivating, while other parts might stress you out. DiSC® can lend you a deeper understanding of your motivators and frustrations, as well as where you tend to focus your energy. Keep reading to learn more and discover strategies for becoming more effective.
The words around the DiSC map represent where people tend to focus their energy at work. The closer your shading comes to one of those words, the more likely you are to prioritize it. Everyone has at least three priorities, and some people have four or five. Having five is no better than having three, and vice versa.
Typically, people with the i style have shading that touches Enthusiasm, Action, and Collaboration. Your shading is characteristic of the i style.
Generating enthusiasm
Guadalupe, you like to maintain a positive, upbeat attitude. Most likely, you assume the best in people and look at the bright side of any given situation. Furthermore, your energy fuels your exuberance, and you’re usually open and expressive with your opinions and emotions. Because you like to encourage team spirit, you focus on generating enthusiasm.
Taking action
People with the i style like excitement and fast movement. Most likely, you’re energized by innovative, groundbreaking solutions, and you’re eager to hit the ground running. In fact, your rapid pace might be too much for others, and rather than slowing down to meet their needs, you may encourage them to keep up with you. Your willingness to take quick action can help the group move forward.
Valuing collaboration
Like others with the i style, you’re probably friendly and outgoing, and you prefer working with others. Most likely, you enjoy meeting new people and finding opportunities to interact. In fact, you probably have a difficult time understanding people who would rather work independently. You value collaboration because you think it not only leads to better outcomes, but it makes the job more fun.
What motivates you?
Like other people with the i style, you probably appreciate opportunities to work with passionate people toward a common goal. Most likely, you enjoy working in high-energy environments where everyone can express themselves. Because you like to be on the go, you may seek opportunities to meet new people and work on a variety of tasks.
- Meeting new people
- Being the center of attention
- Inspiring others to do their best
- Initiating colorful projects
- Being around people who are lively and charismatic
- Getting people involved
- Creating enthusiasm
- Expressing yourself
- Developing warm relationships
What's stressful for you?
Because you tend to be active and lively, you may find routine work to be very draining. Consequently, you may be more interested in starting new projects than following through on old ones. Furthermore, environments that are dull or don’t allow you to express yourself may also sap your energy.
- Giving people unpleasant feedback
- Being forceful or insistent with others
- Being isolated for long periods
- Working steadily toward long-term goals
- Being in a dull or unsocial environment
- Being unable to use your intuition
- Being forced to slow your pace
- Performing routine or systematic tasks
- Undertaking detailed analyses
Guadalupe, given what you’ve learned about your style, here are three key strategies that might help you be more effective at work.
Take care to get things right the first time
You probably want to move things along quickly, so you may get frustrated with delays caused by others’ need for precision. However, people who are more accuracy-focused may feel that you don’t respect their work if you move ahead too quickly, especially if it causes rework. Taking the time to analyze deeper issues will help you get to the root of problems and minimize wasted time and effort.
- Be willing to sacrifice immediate progress to examine the details and get things right.
- Give recognition to people for their focus on quality by letting them know that you value their precision.
Acknowledge problems rather than glossing them over
You probably prefer to keep an upbeat attitude and look at the bright side of things. But because you tend to skim over problems rather than facing them head-on, you may allow small issues to become more serious than they need to be. Remember that responding quickly with a direct approach can help prevent unpleasant consequences.
- Confront potential issues with others right away so they don’t turn into even bigger problems.
- Work to strike a balance between being optimistic and being realistic.
Give others time to process your message
You tend to be very energetic, so you probably enjoy being spontaneous and processing information quickly. However, your fast pace may be overwhelming for others on your team. Because some people aren’t able to put their ideas together as quickly as you do when making decisions, you may need to slow down to give them enough time to process so that things feel less chaotic for them.
- Allow for periods of silence so others have time to put their thoughts together.
- Remember to step back and show patience, since many people will not share their concerns when someone else is quick to take charge.
Have you ever wondered why you click with some people but find it harder to connect with others? DiSC® helps you appreciate where others are coming from. It gives you a greater sense of what you have in common and how you’re different. And it can lay the groundwork for greater understanding.
To you, people with the D style may seem: • Driven • Blunt • Outspoken • Forceful
Imagine that you regularly interact with someone with a D style. They’re well-respected by the organization as a go-getter who delivers on their promises, but you probably find their direct, businesslike approach to be too forceful. Also, because you like a friendly, upbeat environment, you may have trouble identifying with their competitive drive for results.
Like you, this colleague prefers an exciting, action-oriented work environment, and you probably welcome their desire to move swiftly. However, they often seem intense and demanding, and because you’re optimistic and people-focused, you may wonder why they try to push their ideas through without reaching out to others.
Furthermore, you may not relate well to their skeptical and questioning nature, and you may find their blunt approach to be a bit impersonal. They probably don’t seem as interested in collaboration as you are, and you may wonder why they challenge ideas rather than trying to engage people through teamwork.
What motivates them?
Results
People with the D style tend to be strong-willed individuals who prioritize results. Because they are so driven, they constantly look for new challenges and opportunities. They strive for success and won’t give up just because they run into a few obstacles.
Since you tend to value relationships, you may have trouble relating to their competitive determination.
Action
In addition, they prioritize action, so they focus on achieving their goals quickly and forcefully. Cautious and predictable environments are particularly tedious for them, and they may get impatient if others spend a lot of time analyzing ideas rather than acting on them.
Their bold style may be easy for you to relate to since you also prefer to maintain an energetic pace.
Challenge
Furthermore, those with the D style also prioritize challenge. Because they want to control outcomes, they’re often questioning and independent-minded. They are unlikely to accept things they’re unsure about, and they won’t hesitate to challenge ideas that they don’t agree with.
Since you prefer to focus on the positive, you may find their challenging approach to be too critical at times.
D: in their own words
See what people who have a D style have to say about what drives them…and what drives them nuts.
To you, people with the i style may seem: • Passionate • Fun-loving • Adventurous • Energizing
Imagine that you work with someone who also has an i style and shares your priority of enthusiasm. They seem to know everyone on a first-name basis and always have the latest scoop. Since you can identify with their positive outlook and lively approach, you probably appreciate their excitement for new ideas.
Because you both tend to prioritize action and a fast pace, you probably find their spontaneity to be exciting. Most likely, you share their energetic approach and inclination toward change, but the two of you might get so caught up in new ideas that you fail to stick to more routine tasks.
Since you both value collaboration and teamwork, you may be eager to work together on projects. Each of you enjoys the social aspects of work, and you probably appreciate their fun, outgoing nature. However, since you both tend to seek the spotlight, the two of you may compete for attention at times.
What motivates them?
Enthusiasm
People with the i style put a high priority on enthusiasm and tend to maintain an upbeat attitude. Because they get excited about new possibilities, they may be very expressive when communicating their ideas.
Because you tend to share their optimistic viewpoint, the two of you may feed off each other’s high energy to create a lively atmosphere.
Action
In addition, they prioritize action, so they focus on making quick progress toward exciting solutions. Because they tend to be fast-paced, they may be eager to get going without spending a lot of time considering the consequences.
Since you tend to share their preference to hit the ground running, you may appreciate their spontaneous approach.
Collaboration
Furthermore, those with the i style also prioritize collaboration. They enjoy meeting new people, and they probably have a talent for getting everyone involved and building team spirit. They appreciate teamwork and often gather the group to work on projects collaboratively.
Since you share their emphasis on teamwork, you may join them in looking for opportunities to collaborate.
i: in their own words
See what people who have an i style have to say about what drives them…and what drives them nuts.
To you, people with the S style may seem: • Soft-spoken • Careful • Patient • Modest
Let’s imagine that you regularly interact with someone with an S style. To you, they seem kind and supportive, and whenever you ask them a question, they’re always patient and happy to help. However, while they always seem warm and sincere, you may think that they focus too much energy on supporting others rather than on energizing the team.
They’re well-liked by everyone and can always be counted on to perform their job consistently. In fact, around the office they’re often referred to as a “rock.” But because you tend to be spontaneous and adventurous, there may be times when you think they’re too cautious and tentative.
You both value relationships and team spirit, so you probably appreciate their ability to keep the group together. Still, while you probably enjoy being the center of attention, they tend to keep a low profile and seem embarrassed when someone showers them with praise. In response to the enthusiastic recognition that you like to give, they tend to say, “It’s really not a big deal.”
What motivates them?
Support
People with the S style place a high priority on providing support. They tend to be good listeners, and as a result, they’re often seen as patient and accommodating. They don’t hesitate to help out when they can, and they value a warm and easygoing environment.
You probably find it easy to relate to their laidback, friendly approach, although you may be more expressive and open than they are.
Stability
In addition, they prioritize stability, so they often focus on maintaining a predictable, orderly environment. Since they tend to be cautious, they’re probably methodical and avoid rapid change whenever possible.
Because you probably embrace spontaneity and new ideas, you may find it difficult to understand their more cautious approach.
Collaboration
Furthermore, people with the S style also prioritize collaboration. They enjoy working with others in a trusting, warm environment, and they may go out of their way to make sure people feel included and accepted.
You probably share their focus on teamwork, and although you’re more likely to take the lead in group settings, you may work with them to establish an accepting and open environment.
S: in their own words
See what people who have an S style have to say about what drives them…and what drives them nuts.
To you, people with the C style may seem: • Skeptical • Precise • Unemotional • Distant
Imagine that you regularly interact with someone with a C style. They’re not highly sociable, and you may have trouble relating to their private nature and systematic approach. Because they want quality and accuracy, they tend to hole up in their office for long stretches of time, checking their work two or three times before being satisfied. This probably seems unsociable and perfectionistic to you.
To you, this colleague often seems overly detached and serious. They want a stable environment where they can ensure reliable outcomes. You tend to be more adventurous than they are, and their careful, systematic approach may seem like a roadblock to the energetic pace that you prefer.
Furthermore, while you tend to be optimistic and accepting, they tend to be skeptical and ask a lot of probing questions. Because you probably place a high value on relationships, their tendency to prioritize details and challenge other people’s ideas may seem cold to you. However, you probably do appreciate that they tend to pull their own weight and follow through on commitments.
Accuracy
People with the C style place a high priority on accuracy. Because they want to ensure superior results, they tend to analyze options rationally and separate emotions from facts. They value being precise, and as result, they will often ask in-depth or skeptical questions.
Since you tend to value intuition and enthusiasm, you may find it hard to relate to their detached, logical approach.
Stability
In addition, they prioritize Stability. Because they tend to value follow-through and restraint, they’re uncomfortable with quick or risky decisions and prefer to take time to make an informed choice. They tend to analyze all the options, and they often make decisions that promise predictable outcomes.
Because you tend to respond quickly and energetically to new ideas, you may become frustrated with their cautious approach and moderate pace.
Challenge
Furthermore, people with the C style also prioritize Challenge. In their quest to find the most streamlined or productive method of completing their tasks, they may openly question ideas and point out flaws that others may have missed.
Since you’re probably more accepting of new people and ideas, you may find it difficult to understand why they seem so skeptical or fault-finding.
C: in their own words
See what people who have a C style have to say about what drives them…and what drives them nuts.
Knowing someone else’s preferences and tendencies—how they like to work, what they care about—can help you meet them where they are and allow for a better and more effective relationship. Explore strategies to connect, problem-solve, and navigate tense situations.
When you need to be more effective
Guadalupe, people with the D style like to get right to the point, and this might affect the way you relate to one another. They’re probably straightforward and even blunt at times, while you’re more likely to spend time building friendly relationships rather than focusing quickly on the bottom line. As a result, they may become frustrated if you spend too much time socializing, and you may sometimes take their frankness personally.
- Minimize the small talk and dig right into business.
- Try not to take it personally if they ignore your efforts to be friendly and jump directly to the topic at hand.
- Show them how your people-focused approach can bring bottom-line results.
When problems need to be solved
Compared to people with the D style, you’re equally likely to make quick decisions and keep things moving. Because you both appreciate rapid solutions, you probably agree to act immediately when solving problems. However, you’re much less likely to choose aggressive or unpopular approaches, and they may see you as overly concerned with what other people think. In addition, your shared desire for fast answers can cause you to overlook potential complications.
- Avoid emphasizing other people’s feelings at the expense of finding workable answers.
- Keep in mind that they may be resistant to unrealistically positive scenarios.
- Take time to consider whether your speedy decisions might cause more problems in the future.
When things get tense
Because you prioritize friendly relationships, you’re more likely than your “D” coworkers to gloss over differences for as long as possible. On the other hand, they tend to challenge ideas and even become argumentative in conflict situations. When they confront you, you may lash out and say things that are difficult to take back. As a result, disagreements between the two of you may become heated, and you may find it difficult to move past your feelings to seek a resolution.
- Don’t brush problems under the rug just to keep things friendly.
- Avoid interpreting their directness as a personal attack.
- State your points objectively rather than lashing out.
When you need to be more effective
Because people with the i style like high-energy environments where they can collaborate on exciting projects, Guadalupe, they may share your frequently lively approach. You also have an i style, so discussions between you may be friendly and sociable, but you may stray off topic. Furthermore, the two of you may skip important details in your eagerness to move quickly.
- Join them in looking for fun, collaborative projects.
- Enjoy the social aspects of your work, but keep each other focused on the task at hand when necessary.
- Work together to make sure that you’re considering both the big picture and the details.
When problems need to be solved
People who share your i style rely heavily on intuition, and they like to dive in and move quickly when confronting a problem. You both tend to move rapidly toward a solution, and you may agree on the need to face tough situations with an optimistic attitude. However, in your mutual enthusiasm to find an answer, the two of you may overlook important details or make unrealistic assumptions that rely on best-case scenarios.
- Capitalize on your shared energy, but take time to consider pros and cons.
- Share your exciting ideas with them.
- Balance your spontaneous approach with a clear look at your solution’s potential consequences.
When things get tense
Because people who share your i style want to maintain friendly relationships, you’re both likely to initially gloss over differences in conflict situations. However, self-expression is probably very important to the two of you, and you each may eventually insist on being heard, even if it means lashing out. As a result, you may say harsh things to one another that are difficult to take back. Furthermore, you may lose focus on the issue at hand and bring up other areas of discontent.
- Avoid personal attacks and stick to the topic at hand.
- Express a desire to work through the conflict quickly but thoroughly.
- Let them know that a disagreement now doesn’t mean a poor relationship down the road.
When you need to be more effective
People with the S style value cooperation and friendly interaction, Guadalupe, and this might affect the way you relate to one another. Like them, you also prioritize collaboration and getting everyone involved. However, you tend to be much more expressive than they are, and you may end up inadvertently monopolizing conversations with them. And, while they probably appreciate your cheerful, spirited approach, your high energy may be a little overwhelming for them at times.
- Use your upbeat approach to encourage them to share their ideas.
- Avoid pushing them beyond their comfort zone toward your adventurous plans.
- Work collaboratively with them, but remember they may be overwhelmed by bursts of enthusiasm.
When problems need to be solved
Compared to people with the S style, you’re probably more inclined to make spontaneous decisions when it comes to solving problems. While they value stability and predictability, you’re more likely to be open to exciting, untested solutions. In fact, you’re probably quite willing to change course rapidly and to act based on your gut instinct, which may seem impulsive or risky to them. At the same time, their more cautious approach may seem indecisive to you.
- Keep in mind that their more cautious approach may at times be a good counterbalance for your spontaneity.
- Encourage them to share their concerns about risky options since they can be hesitant to speak up.
- Weigh the evidence carefully before jumping on new ideas.
When things get tense
Because people with the S style want to support others, they avoid rocking the boat and upsetting the people around them. You both tend to dislike confronting conflict head-on, so you may sometimes gloss over disagreements with your “S” coworkers. At the same time, they’re more likely to hide their true feelings to restore harmony quickly, while you may lash out when pushed. When this happens, you may cause them to shut down even further.
- Show a desire to work through the conflict quickly and calmly while also preserving the relationship.
- Address the situation directly right from the start rather than masking your differences.
- Follow up to make sure the issue is resolved.
When you need to be more effective
Guadalupe, people with the C style would often rather focus on facts than feelings, and this might affect the way you relate to one another. They may sometimes think your friendliness infringes on their personal space and interrupts their work. In addition, your enthusiastic acceptance of new people and ideas, which is typical of your i style, may be at odds with their more cautious, analytical approach, and they may be uncomfortable with your spontaneity.
- Skip the small talk and keep the discussion focused on the task at hand.
- Let them set the pace rather than expecting them to reciprocate your lively approach.
- Stick to the facts rather than trying to use enthusiasm to influence them.
When problems need to be solved
When it comes to solving problems, your “C” coworkers want to thoroughly consider all the consequences before making a decision, while you’re more inclined to trust your gut instinct and change course rapidly. As a result, you may become frustrated when they second-guess your plans during the problem-solving process. In turn, they may see your enthusiastic push for exciting options as careless or sloppy.
- Reinforce the need for urgency if they appear bogged down, but remember that their careful analysis may lead to new opportunities.
- Back up your arguments with hard data rather than energy and enthusiasm.
- Strike a balance between your more optimistic approach and their more skeptical one.
When things get tense
Because people with the C style often view conflict as a disagreement over who is correct, they usually avoid direct aggression and focus on challenging the reasoning behind an argument. On the other hand, while you may initially gloss over differences, when forced to confront the situation, you may become emotional or lash out. Since they prefer a more detached, objective approach, your expressiveness may cause them to withdraw and refuse to discuss the issue anymore.
- Don’t insist on an immediate resolution, since they may need time to process the situation.
- State your position factually and objectively and give them time to present their side.
- Keep in mind that they may become uncomfortable or retreat in the face of emotional displays.
Emotional intelligence (what we call EQ) is about having the agility to read the emotional and interpersonal needs of a situation and respond accordingly. In other words, EQ allows you to adapt to any situation, so you can reach for the most effective response to whatever challenge you’re facing.
- Your EQ isn't a fixed score or measurement. With time and practice, anyone can enhance their EQ.
- There are different ways to be emotionally intelligent. Some will come naturally to you, while others may be more of a stretch.
- No DiSC® style is inherently more emotionally intelligent than any other.
Watch this video to learn more about EQ and DiSC.
The eight EQ mindsets describe different kinds of emotional intelligence. Different DiSC styles tend to have different strengths, but developing your EQ is all about learning to stretch.
Read about each mindset to get a sense of what these different aspects of emotional intelligence might look like.
Standing your ground in the face of opposition, speaking up about problems, and pushing through any resistance
Asserting your opinions and rights, projecting confidence in your ideas and abilities, and taking charge of situations
Initiating action on your ideas, influencing people, and projecting a strong social presence
Establishing and maintaining relationships and expressing your emotions and unfiltered thoughts to others
Reaching out with compassion, seeking to understand people’s emotional needs and struggles, and being supportive
Staying open to others’ ideas and being willing to compromise or set aside your own needs and preferences
Reflecting before acting, moderating your responses (even under stress), and exercising diplomacy
Separating facts from emotions and keeping the discussion focused on logic
We all have different EQ strengths—different forms of emotional intelligence that come naturally to us. One way to think of these strengths is as the mindsets that guide your interactions. Because you have an i style, Guadalupe, you likely gravitate toward the Outgoing, Dynamic, and Empathizing mindsets.
These mindsets make up your comfort zone. They’re the lenses through which you view various situations and interactions. And they influence the responses you automatically reach for, without conscious thought.
The text below will help you understand more about these mindsets and how they help you navigate your world.
You're outgoing
- You love getting to know people
- You’re honest and authentic
You're dynamic
- You’re willing to dive into new things
- Your enthusiasm is contagious
You're empathizing
- You let people know you care
- You notice emotional undercurrents
Your effect on others
Other people:
- are energized and have fun
- feel welcome
- dare to try new things
- might question your seriousness
- can get worn out by your energy
Your needs power your strengths
You need:
- to be heard and appreciated
- connections with others
- to stay positive
- novelty and excitement
Learn more about the mindsets that come to you most naturally—how they can help you and how they might sometimes hold you back.
You're outgoing
Most likely, you have a strong need for social connection that drives you to focus on building and maintaining relationships. Social contact may be so vital to you that you jump into opportunities to meet new people and invest much of your considerable energy in tending to your connections. And since you’re looking to genuinely connect, you’re often able to let down your guard and just be yourself. An urge to express yourself likely also fuels your outgoingness. You may feel compelled to share the thoughts and feelings in your head, to process them and meet an equally strong need to be heard. It may feel critical to have people understand and acknowledge where you’re coming from. So you may bring an openness and sincerity to many of your interactions.
Being outgoing allows you to
- create stronger, more rewarding relationships and reinforce existing bonds
- foster a sense of camaraderie and inclusion
- build trust by encouraging open, honest interactions
You may run into trouble if you
- become so intent on expressing yourself that you monopolize conversations, potentially alienating some people
- focus on your relationships at the expense of other important considerations or responsibilities
- overwhelm more reserved colleagues, who may require more space and time to feel comfortable opening up
You're dynamic
Like others with the i style, you may have a need for excitement that drives you to seek out change and initiate action on your ideas. You probably get bored with routine, so you may constantly be on the lookout for novelty and stimulation. Acting on your ideas is one way to achieve this. You also tend to be optimistic, so you may often charge ahead because you’re more focused on the potential reward than any risks. And given your urge to be heard, you’re probably driven to get others to understand that potential and embrace your ideas. With your high energy, you may convey a passion and enthusiasm that’s contagious and prompts people to meet the fast pace you set to make things happen.
Being dynamic allows you to
- create interest and momentum to help move your ideas forward
- take concrete steps to transform your ideas into reality
- take advantage of opportunities that might otherwise go untapped
You may run into trouble if you
- push others to move ahead without giving them adequate time to consider an idea
- dismiss others’ objections or concerns in your excitement to move forward
- allow your passion to cloud your judgment
You're empathizing
Given how important social contact is to you, you probably invest a lot of energy in trying to understand other people’s thoughts and motivations. And you may be naturally tuned in to the sort of social cues that indicate something is amiss. As a result, you may often reach out to people when you sense a need, make a sincere effort to understand what they’re going through, and offer your support. And since you tend to be open and accepting, you may have a knack for getting people to let down their guard with you. In addition, given how much your relationships mean to you, you’re probably often willing to give people the benefit of the doubt and treat their needs with compassion.
Being empathizing allows you to
- relate better to others and develop stronger working relationships
- stay open to and respectful of the concerns and perspectives of others
- contribute to a supportive environment where people feel safe speaking up about their concerns
You may run into trouble if you
- become so focused on feelings that you overlook other equally or more important considerations
- excuse poor behavior or performance, perhaps even allowing your judgment to be compromised
- rush in to soothe someone when a different response might be more helpful or appropriate to the situation
