Dominant Type – DISC

Dominant is one of four personality types of the DISC assessment system. It describes behavior that is dominant, assertive and results-oriented. If you’re a Dominant type, you tend to take charge, make decisions, and control the direction of tasks and projects. You may be described as a natural leader. You enjoy being the captain of the ship. Dominant is useful in leadership positions as it helps push to get the job done. However, it doesn’t work as well for people who are in supporting roles. Highly Dominant people may be frustrated in roles with no opportunity for leadership.

Dominant Style Overview

At their best, Dominant types are confident, decisive, persistent and audacious. They set high expectations for themselves and others, speak up about problems and focus on results. They don’t mind taking risks to get things done. In the workplace.

Dominant people are likely to appear: ambitious, assertive, resourceful, decisive, blunt, pioneering, skeptical, competitive, strong-willed, self-reliant

They are less likely to appear: nurturing, patient, collaborative, tolerant, reflective, predictable, steady, even-tempered, complacent, humble.

Work Style and Talents of a Dominant Type

The Dominant style focuses on results and action over relationships and contemplation. To borrow a phrase from Mark Zuckerberg, they are the types most likely to “move fast and break things.” 

Whether it’s individually or in an organization, highly Dominant personalities will be quick to determine whether a clear goal exists. If not, they will swiftly identify key issues to create a goal that is focused and clear – then they will figure out the fastest way to achieve it. They are quick to make a plan and assess the resources and skills required to get into action. 

This goal orientation means they are self-starters, taking the initiative to do what they think is necessary and sometimes overstepping their authority. Dominant people do not sit around waiting for someone to take charge. Rather, they will speak up, offer their opinion and get things moving quickly. Nothing is worse to a Dominant person than having to wait.

Strengths of a Dominant type

Dominant people tend to be good at:

• Establishing clear goals
• Using time and resources efficiently
• Taking initiative
• Seeking new opportunities
• Taking calculated risks
• Speaking their mind
• Convincing others to see their point of view
• Leading teams and projects
• Working well under pressure
• Making decisions quickly

Blind Spots of a Dominant Type

Dominant people may find it difficult to:

• Listen to others
• Share credit
• Involve others in problem-solving
• Resist the urge to criticize those who do not share their sense of urgency
• Follow routines
• Include all the small details
• Be patient
• Admit mistakes

Ideal Work Environment

Dominant people are typical in always seeking more – more responsibility, more impact, more money, more power, more authority, more challenges, more success or more freedom. They are motivated by ambition and continually seek out opportunities for growth, advancement and new challenges to solve. A career or work environment that does not offer these things will soon feel stifling to a Dominant type.  

Dominant people tend to work best when they have:

• New challenges and problems to solve
• Authority to make decisions and take risks
• Freedom from mundane tasks and routines
• Fast-paced environments with ambitious deadlines
• Coworkers who engage in healthy competition

They may feel drained when they have:

• Too many rules and regulations
• Lack of autonomy or control over their work
• Routine tasks with no opportunity for creativity or change
• Co-workers who take a long time to complete tasks
• Team members who need a lot of support and guidance

Careers for Dominant Types

Dominant types gravitate towards positions of authority and often seek roles as managers or executives. Other compatible careers include sales, marketing, law, law enforcement, operations manager, stockbroker and athletic trainer. Anything fast-paced and competitive with ambitious projects and tight deadlines is likely to suit the determined Dominant type. Dominant types are also likely to be entrepreneurs and freelancers, as they have the risk-taking nature and decisiveness required to start their own businesses. Dominant types are highly self-reliant in pursuing goals.