Understanding the Influence DISC Personality Type
Kristin Emerson
Training Director
The Influence or I Personality Type is one of the four primary styles in the DISC model. People with this style are outgoing, sociable, upbeat, and motivated by positive interactions with others. This page explores the I personality type in depth, including strengths, areas for growth, motivators, communication preferences, and how I types work with other DISC styles.
If you want a broader overview of all four styles, visit What Are The Main DISC Personality Styles?
Table of Contents
- The I personality type explained
- Famous I personality examples
- What is a High I DISC profile?
- Other terms for the I personality type
- Strengths of the I style
- Growth opportunities for the I style
- How to understand people with the I type
- I personality compatibility with other DISC styles
- Considerations when working with the I style
- Influence subtypes (I/D, I/S, I/C)
- Find your DISC personality type
The I personality type explained
People with the Influence or I style are enthusiastic, expressive, and focused on relationships. They build rapport quickly, enjoy collaboration, and motivate others through energy and positivity. I-style personalities thrive when they can inspire, connect, and share ideas.
What drives the I Personality Type?
I types are motivated by:
- Enthusiasm and high energy
- Positive interactions with others
- Recognition and appreciation
- Opportunities to express ideas
They measure success by the quality of their relationships and the level of influence they have on a group. Compliments, encouragement, and public recognition help them stay engaged and confident.
At the same time, I types often fear rejection, disapproval, or feeling ignored. Being excluded feels like failure, so they naturally work to stay connected and liked.
Famous I personality individuals
These well-known figures often demonstrate traits associated with Influence types:
Oprah
Oprah Winfrey isn’t in the public spotlight as often anymore, but during the airing of her show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, it was easy to see her I-Personality shine.
She brought energy and friendliness to both her audience and guest stars.
Dolly Parton
Is it a coincidence that famous actors and performers have an I-Style? We don’t think so.
Dolly Parton’s I-personality shines when she is on the stage. Audiences feel her warmth and energy.
Terry Crews
Terry Crews’ personality is as big as he is physically.
While Crews has a minor role on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, he is a memorable character because of the energy, enthusiasm, and warmth he brings to the show.
Because I styles are often engaging communicators, charismatic leaders, and people who inspire through stories and enthusiasm, many entertainers, inspirational speakers, and social connectors have the I personality type.
What is a High I DISC Profile?
A High I profile describes someone whose Influence trait is significantly more pronounced than the other DISC traits. The term originates from the description of a person’s DISC Graph. A high I personality shows more I Characteristics compared to a person whose graph is shorter than theirs.
High I individuals:
- Prefer energetic and expressive environments
- Gain motivation from collaboration and group activities
- Influence others through enthusiasm rather than authority or facts
They are often seen as warm, approachable, and fun partners in group work.
Other terms for the I personality type
You may see these alternate descriptions across different DISC resources:
- Influence style
- Influencer personality
- Motivator personality type
- Interactive style
- Dynamo
- Networker
- The Yellow Profile
- I personality traits
All of these refer to the same I DISC style.
I Personality Type Strengths
I types bring a unique set of strengths that help build morale, spark creativity, and keep groups engaged.
Friendly and approachable
They value relationships above all and go to great lengths to create a positive atmosphere. Their warmth builds rapid trust and encourages open communication.
Optimistic viewpoint
Their energizing presence helps teams believe that challenges are manageable. This optimism can lift team morale and drive forward momentum.
Energetic and expressive
I personalities keep conversations lively and engaging. They help teams generate ideas, rally around shared goals, and stay motivated through enthusiasm.
Inspiring and persuasive
Because they connect easily with others, I types can influence decisions and build group support for new initiatives.
Collaborative and people-focused
They naturally bring groups together, strengthen team cohesion, and help ensure everyone feels included.
Areas for growth for the I Personality Type
Every DISC style has growth areas. For people with the Influence style, these tendencies may require attention.
Generalizing or overlooking details
I types are big-picture thinkers. Because they prefer ideas and interactions over details, they may skip fact-checking or oversimplify information.
Difficulty with follow-through
They enjoy brainstorming and starting new initiatives but may lose interest when tasks feel repetitive or slow. Sustained focus usually requires structure or accountability.
Sensitivity to criticism
Because they value acceptance, direct or blunt feedback can feel personal. They benefit from supportive coaching that frames improvement positively.
Tendency to avoid conflict
I types often try to preserve harmony and may avoid difficult conversations. This can slow decision-making or allow issues to linger.
Understand Those With the I Personality Type
This section highlights what motivates an Influence style and how they prefer to communicate and collaborate. For more detailed guidance, see How to Improve Communication Using DISC Styles.
Motivations and priorities
I personalities thrive when they have:
- Opportunities for social interaction
- Freedom to express creativity
- A positive, upbeat environment
- Visible acknowledgment of their contributions
- Group-oriented work that allows shared ideas and connection
They prioritize people, enthusiasm, and shared experiences.
Communication style
People with the I personality type prefer conversations that are warm, collaborative, and expressive. They often think out loud and look for positive reactions such as smiles, nods, or verbal validation.
When communicating with an I type:
- Start with a friendly connection
- Allow time for relationship building
- Offer encouragement and recognition
- Use big-picture language rather than detailed steps
- Redirect gently when needed to stay on track
They appreciate enthusiasm, shared ideas, and supportive dialogue.
I Personality Compatibility With Other DISC Styles
I types tend to connect easily but may experience tension with styles that communicate differently. This simple chart highlights typical patterns.
| Other Style | Natural Compatibility | Possible Tension Points |
|---|---|---|
|
D |
Shared energy, fast pace |
D prefers directness over emotion |
|
I |
Easy rapport, shared enthusiasm |
May get off task |
|
S |
Warm, supportive connection |
S prefers stability over spontaneity |
|
C |
Balance of creativity and precision |
C wants details that I-style may skip |
For a deeper breakdown, visit Use DISC to Get the Best Workplace Personality Pairings.
Considerations When Working With an I Style
I personalities succeed in environments that offer interaction, collaboration, and opportunities to inspire others. They tend to excel in roles such as:
- Customer service
- Sales or outreach
- Team leadership
- Communications or marketing
- Community engagement
- Training or facilitation
To bring out their best:
- Allow social interaction and teamwork
- Offer public or private recognition
- Provide structure for follow-through
- Encourage creativity and idea generation
- Coach them through conflict with care and clarity
DISC coaching can help I types develop stronger focus, resilience, and communication adaptability.
Influence Subtypes
The I personality style can blend with any of the other DISC traits to create a combined subtype. These subtypes help explain the diversity within the broader I category. For a complete overview of all 12 DISC types, visit 12 DISC Personality Types.
I/D subtype
Energetic, bold, and persuasive.
- Fast-paced and action oriented
- Motivated by influence and results
- Best supported through autonomy, recognition, and clear goals
I/D subtype
Warm, encouraging, and people-centered.
- Strong relationship builders
- Promote team harmony and collaboration
- Thrive with supportive leadership and steady feedback
I/D subtype
Creative, expressive, and quality-focused.
- Combine enthusiasm with an interest in accuracy
- Enjoy problem-solving through brainstorming
- Benefit from time to prepare and opportunities to refine ideas
I Subtype Comparison Table
| Subtype | Core Traits | Ideal Environment | Support Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
|
I/D |
Bold, expressive, driven |
Fast pace, visibility |
Recognition, clarity |
|
I/S |
Warm, patient, supportive |
Collaborative, steady |
Encouragement, stable expectations |
|
I/C |
Creative, analytical, articulate |
Thoughtful, idea heavy |
Time to prepare, balanced feedback |
Find your DISC Personality Type
Curious whether you have an I personality type or another DISC style?
Take our Free DISC Assessment to discover your profile and learn how to use DISC to improve communication and teamwork.