The DiSC Behavioral Styles: Three Lightning-Fast Ways to Build Trust with an i

Note: This is part of a four-part series I’ll be running over the next several weeks regarding building TRUST with the various DiSC styles.

At the heart of every meaningful, productive relationship exists this: TRUST.

Building trust with one another is paramount to creating an effective team. If you are someone who is curious about how to build trust with an i Behavioral Style, read on!

Reminder: i stands for INFLUENCE. The higher one’s “i” is, the greater the preference for naturally working with and through people to create results. i’s are known for acting with high enthusiasm, and excelling through collaboration. i’s are charming, effervescent, fun-loving, and ready to maximize the team’s strengths. Often found on stage, at a podium, or in the spotlight of some sort, i’s are natural talkers, feel very comfortable in front of groups, and pride themselves on their optimism and wilingness to “do good and be everybody’s friend.”

All of that said, here are three ways to build trust with an i style:

1. The i style wants to feel heard. If they know that you’ve genuinely listened to their story, they’re likely to trust you. Give the i style plenty of room to express their opinions and share their thoughts.

2. Make a special effort to include them and keep them in the loop.  I’s get irritated when they think they’re being left out. Make sure to keep the i style informed and abreast of all that’s happening…when you do, they’ll help you rally the troops to meet the goal because they know and trust what you are doing/up to.

3. Avoid behavior that could seem judgmental or dismissive. The i style’s biggest fear is rejection. When you judge or dismiss an i, it can create hurt feelings and a sense of doubt around your relationship. Make certain that when you have to deliver constructive criticism or bad news, you preface it with what the i’s doing RIGHT. If you don’t, they’ll shut down and the relationship will suffer.

For more information about DiSC and what each style is all about, please visit my website or email me directly at chariti@charitigent.com.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog: Building Trust with S’s!