Have you ever wondered why some people thrive on structure, while others chase bold ideas or light up a room with conversation? Understanding personality types can be the key to better communication, stronger relationships, and even more effective teamwork.
Dan Tan, Founder of The Positive Difference recently joined Doug on Table Talk to unpack the DISC personality profile. An insightful tool that categorises personality traits into four distinct types: D, I, S, and C.
What is DISC?
DISC is a behavioural profiling method that breaks personalities into four categories:
- D: Dominant
- I: Influential
- S: Steady
- C: Conscientious
Dan says, “It’s not about pigeonholing yourself. Think of it as a mirror to better understand your strengths and areas for growth.”
Most people are a blend of types, and your behaviour can shift depending on your environment.
D – Dominant
Decisive. Direct. Visionary.
D-types are natural leaders who get things done. “They’re fast thinkers and fast movers,” says Dan. “You want them leading the charge in high-pressure situations.”
However, their drive can sometimes come at the expense of people’s feelings. Dan notes, “They might focus so much on the goal that they forget the team matters too.”
If that’s you, think about who can complement your strengths, especially someone detail-oriented to cover the gaps.
I – Influential
Inspiring. Social. Verbal.
I-types are the life of the party. They’re friendly, outgoing, and thrive on interaction. “If you want to feel welcome, find an I-type. They make everyone feel like they belong,” Dan says.
The downside? Productivity can take a hit. “They love to talk so much, they might forget to actually get the work done.”
Dan suggests these individuals channel their strengths by working in people-focused roles like community outreach or hospitality while surrounding themselves with people who can help keep things on track.
S – Steady
Loyal. Consistent. Relational.
S-types are reliable, calm, and people-focused. They thrive in secure environments and often form the backbone of any team. “They show up. They’re trustworthy. People follow them because they trust them,” Dan explains.
But S-types often resist change and may avoid confrontation. “They don’t like rocking the boat, which means they can struggle to make decisions or hold onto grudges.”
Dan’s advice? Embrace change as a process and learn to let go. Leadership is possible for S-types, especially when blended with a bit of D or I energy.
C – Conscientious
Analytical. Detail-focused. Thoughtful.
C-types are the researchers and perfectionists. “They love data, reading, comparing, understanding,” Dan says. They thrive in environments that reward precision and critical thinking.
But that drive for perfection can come at a cost. “They can be very critical of others and themselves.”
If you’re a C, remember it’s okay to make mistakes. Progress sometimes matters more than perfection.
Can You Change?
Absolutely. Your personality isn’t set in stone.
“You might behave differently at work, at home, or with friends,” says Dan. “I used to be a C, very reserved. But over time, I pushed myself to connect with people, because I realised relationships mattered.”
Growth is possible. You can learn new behaviours and smooth out rough edges. As Dan puts it: “You don’t have to change overnight. But you can grow, bit by bit.”
All in One Room
So what happens when all these types try to decide on lunch?
- The D decides immediately: “We’re going to Macca’s!”
- The I is excited but quickly distracted by chatting with new people.
- The S says, “I don’t mind, what do you want to do?” to avoid conflict.
- The C is deep in research, comparing menus and reviews.
“Every team, family, or workplace has these dynamics,” Dan says. “Understanding them can help reduce conflict and build trust.”
Final Thought
No matter your type, knowing your personality helps you make better decisions and grow healthier relationships. So what’s your personality type? And how will you grow with it?
Listen to the full conversation below.