Welcome to our DISC Style Deep Dive series written by John Wright, Senior Partner – The DISC Agency , where John unpacks each of the four DISC behavioural styles and explore how understanding them can dramatically enhance communication, leadership, and team dynamics. We’re kicking things off with one of the most misunderstood – and powerful – styles: the High D.
What is a High D?
According to TTI Success Insights’ DISC Assessment, the High D (Dominance) style is defined by a direct, results-oriented, and assertive personality. High Ds thrive on challenge, make decisions quickly, and aim for success with laser focus. They’re future-focused and aren’t afraid to push through barriers to get results.
If you’re dealing with a High D, you’re engaging with someone who values results over process, action over analysis, and speed over consensus. They speak the language of outcomes – so get to the point.
From the best selling book “Surrounded by Idiots“? The Red Personality in Action
In Surrounded by Idiots, Thomas Erikson labels the High D as the “Red” personality. He writes:
“Reds are born leaders. They’re always in motion, never satisfied with standing still, and allergic to weakness or hesitation.”
Sound like someone in your office. Or maybe… sound like you?
Reds – or High Ds – can be incredibly effective in leadership and sales roles. But if misunderstood, they can also come across as intimidating, impatient, or even arrogant.
That’s why understanding the deeper motivations and communication preferences behind a High D is essential – especially if you work with one, report to one, or are one.
The Strengths of a High D
Using TTI Success Insights’ behavioural assessments, we consistently find these standout strengths in High D individuals:
- Fearless decision-makers: They don’t overthink or wait for approval. Action is their default mode.
- Natural-born leaders: They take charge when others hesitate.
- Change agents: They love shaking things up and rarely settle for the status quo.
- Big-picture thinkers: Details? That’s for later. They stay focused on the end goal.
Watch Outs for High Ds
With great power comes great responsibility – and High Ds have blind spots to be mindful of. They can:
- Be perceived as too blunt or aggressive
- Overlook the feelings and input of others
- Make snap decisions without all the facts
- Become impatient with slower styles (hello, High S and High C!)
As Erikson reminds us in the book or audiobook Surrounded by Idiots, Reds don’t always realise the impact of their pace and tone:
“They don’t mean to be rude – they’re just focused on the goal and can’t understand why others don’t move at the same speed.”
Leading and Communicating with a High D
If you’re working with or managing a High D, here are some quick tips:
- Be direct. Don’t waffle. Get to the point quickly.
- Show confidence. High Ds respect strength.
- Talk outcomes, not process. Focus on what’s in it for them.
- Avoid micromanaging. Give them the goal, then get out of the way.
If you are a High D, your growth edge is learning to slow down, listen more, and bring others along for the ride.
The High D in the Workplace
In our DISC workshops at The DISC Agency, we often see High Ds dominate in roles that require autonomy, results, and influence – like:
- Sales leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- Project managers
- Executive decision-makers
And while their energy can drive incredible results, teams perform best when the High D learns to balance drive with empathy – a skill that can be further honed with our TTI TriMetrix EQ assessment, which blends DISC with Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Driving Forces insights.
In Summary
High Ds – or Reds – are driven, decisive, and dynamic. They’re the ones you want in your corner when the pressure’s on. But to unlock their full potential in a team setting, self-awareness is key.
Understanding your own DISC style – and those around you – isn’t just a workplace hack. It’s a leadership superpower.
Next in the series: The High I – The Influencer Who Brings the Spark.
Until then, keep leading with insight.
— John Wright, Senior Partner, The DISC Agency
To learn about our DISC Profiles and Assessments or to discover how our facilitated workshops can help your organisation, please contact us on 1300 690 469 or email our team at support@thediscagency.com.au
