The High I-Style and Their Best Job

A couple weeks ago, I shared the story of our high-energy, people-focused teen daughter’s first experience working in our orthodontic office. We had put her in the far back lab area, seated in a cubicle, picking bubbles off of models of teeth, hour after hour. She was certain she was going to lose her mind!

Much to her relief, we also needed help at the Front Desk. Up there, it was a constant flow of people coming and going, phones ringing, answering questions and making appointments. The Receptionist had to greet people, connect with them, answer their questions, get any updates, check them in, then make their next appointment. Our daughter loved it! Her High I-Style thrived up there. She worked all through middle school, high school and even on her college breaks.

As a review, the High I-Style person tends to:

• Be fun-loving, a “party looking for a place to happen”
• Focus on people more than on tasks
• Have a “faster speed motor” – walks, talks and thinks faster
• Be more outgoing – an extrovert
• Be very persuasive
• Have a positive attitude – usually sees the jar half full
• Have lots of enthusiasm

So what does an I-Style need to be and stay motivated:

• Teamwork – these folks thrive on people time and work well in a group
• Positive Environment – because they approach most things in such a positive manner, they fit right into this kind of environment
• Recognition – it truly doesn’t have to be much – just a few words of acknowledgement and appreciation is enough
• Opportunities – especially to try out the New Great Idea!

Then how is an I-Style de-motivated:

• Isolation – please don’t put them back in the lab by themselves
• Rejection – of them, their energy and enthusiasm or their new great ideas
• To be unappreciated – to put out the effort without receiving any word of appreciation will “take the wind right out of their sails”
• Harsh criticism – in fact, harsh anything will de-motivate and discourage them

Bottom line – what a High I-Style needs at work:

• To be interacting with people most of the day
• To be busy where they can use their high level of energy
• To have the freedom to add an element of fun to their day
• To be recognized and appreciated for their efforts

These guidelines would be the best-case scenario for a High I-Style person. But it is possible for them to work in any role, with the understanding that some jobs will require more adjustments then others, and more potential for losing your mind. The goal is to find a job where the needs of the I-Style can thrive.

QUESTION: Have you ever considered how your DISC Style would best fit a job? I’d love to hear your thoughts and observations. Please share in the comment section below.

P.S. ***If you would like to learn more about your own DISC Styles, just click here for more information on getting a DISC Assessment – an easy online process that will gain you lots of insight.