When people first hear about the DISC model, one of the most common questions I get is:
“Which DISC style makes the best leader?”
The assumption? It must be the High D – the dominant, decisive, results-driven one.
But as a seasoned DISC facilitator and behavioural analyst, I’m here to challenge that myth. Leadership isn’t about fitting into a single behavioural style. It’s about knowing your strengths, recognising your blind spots, and adapting to the needs of your people and your environment.
Let’s explore how each DISC style – Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance – can lead brilliantly, in their own way.
💼 High D Leaders – The Decisive Drivers
Strengths:
- Bold decision-makers
- Visionary and goal-focused
- Comfortable with risk and challenge
Challenges:
- May overlook collaboration or empathy
- Can be seen as aggressive or too blunt
Why They Lead Well:
High Ds bring energy, urgency, and direction. In times of change or crisis, their confidence and focus can be a powerful stabiliser. But the best High D leaders know when to slow down, listen, and bring others along for the ride.
🗣️ High I Leaders – The Charismatic Connectors
Strengths:
- Inspiring and enthusiastic
- Great at building relationships
- Naturally persuasive and optimistic
Challenges:
- Can lack follow-through or focus
- May avoid tough conversations
Why They Lead Well:
High Is create engaging, inclusive cultures. Their ability to energise a team and rally people around a vision is second to none. When balanced with discipline and structure, they make deeply influential leaders.
🤝 High S Leaders – The Calm Collaborators
Strengths:
- Loyal, dependable, and supportive
- Excellent listeners and team builders
- Great at creating stability and harmony
Challenges:
- Can resist change or avoid confrontation
- May struggle with assertiveness
Why They Lead Well:
High Ss are the backbone of trust in any organisation. Their strength lies in quiet leadership, building consensus and commitment over time. In uncertain environments, their calm presence can be a powerful source of stability.
📊 High C Leaders – The Analytical Strategists
Strengths:
- Detail-oriented and data-driven
- Focused on quality and accuracy
- High standards for performance and ethics
Challenges:
- May become perfectionistic or overly cautious
- Can struggle to delegate or act quickly
Why They Lead Well:
High Cs are strategic thinkers. They lead through preparation, precision, and logic. In complex, high-risk industries, their analytical minds create structure and sustainability. When they learn to trust and delegate, their leadership scales effectively.
The Real Answer: Self-Awareness > Style
The best leaders aren’t defined by what style they are — they’re defined by how well they understand themselves and adapt to others.
At The DISC Agency, we’ve trained hundreds of leaders across Australia who represent every style on the DISC spectrum. What sets the great ones apart? These 3 traits:
- Self-awareness – They know their natural style, strengths, and blind spots.
- Adaptability – They flex their approach to lead different personalities effectively.
- Emotional Intelligence – They manage themselves and connect with others with insight and empathy.
Want to Discover Your Leadership Style?
Whether you’re a High D, I, S, or C – or a blend – understanding your DISC profile is the first step toward becoming a more effective, authentic leader.
Our DISC Profiles and facilitated workshops are designed to give you deep behavioural insight, practical tools, and real-world strategies you can apply immediately.
Book a discovery call with The DISC Agency today and start leading with confidence.
Contact us now, call 1300 690 469 or support@thediscagency.com.au
Free Sample DISC Profile Download Here.
Free Sample EQ Emotional Intelligence Download Here.
Free Sample Behavioural Intelligence® Download Here. Double-science assessment combining DISC and emotional intelligence (EQ)
By John Wright – Senior Partner, The DISC Agency
Accredited Behavioural Analyst | DISC Workshop Facilitator
