Every team needs people who bring energy to the room. In the DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness) model, those with a high Influence (I) score are the ones who thrive on connection, optimism, and enthusiasm. They are natural relationship builders, often quick to strike up conversations and eager to motivate others. High “I” individuals are easy to recognize: they are expressive, engaging, and energized by interaction.
In leadership and teamwork, these traits are powerful. “I”s help people feel included, generate excitement around ideas, and keep morale high. They remind others that results are not only about what gets done, but also about how people feel along the way. Yet like every style, the strengths of Influence come with challenges. Too much energy without structure can lead to distraction, and a desire for connection can sometimes take priority over follow-through. The key is to harness the optimism of “I”s while pairing it with systems and accountability so enthusiasm becomes sustained progress.
What Does “I” Measure?
The Influence factor measures how someone responds to people and contacts.
- If your highest score is “I,” you are an Outgoing Communicator.
- If your lowest score is “I,” you are a Reserved Communicator.
This factor reflects whether someone gains energy from social interaction or prefers to step back and engage more selectively.
Strengths of “I”
High “I” individuals bring warmth and energy that elevate teams. Their strengths often include:
- Enthusiastic: Quick to inspire others with optimism.
- Persuasive: Skilled at influencing and motivating people.
- Expressive: Comfortable sharing ideas and emotions openly.
- Relational: Naturally focused on building trust and rapport.
These qualities help foster teamwork, encourage collaboration, and create environments where people feel valued.
Areas to Balance
Without awareness, the “I” style can lose focus or skip important steps. Common challenges include:
- Follow-through: May move on to the next idea before finishing the current one.
- Over-promising: Desire to please can lead to taking on too much.
- Impulsivity: Decisions may be based on emotion rather than data.
- Distraction: Energy may scatter when structure is lacking.
Balancing enthusiasm with discipline ensures that the optimism of an “I” translates into lasting results.
Leading and Working With “I”
For leaders who are high in “I”:
- Use your ability to motivate, but pair it with clear action plans.
- Surround yourself with detail-oriented team members who can help with execution.
- Be intentional about listening, not just speaking, in order to build trust.
For those working with an “I”:
- Bring positive energy and engage openly.
- Emphasize collaboration and connection.
- Provide reminders or checkpoints to help keep projects on track.
The Influence style is the spark that ignites engagement. High “I” individuals bring energy, optimism, and people skills that help teams stay connected and motivated. Their gift is creating momentum through relationships, ensuring that people feel seen and heard. But for this energy to truly create impact, it needs to be paired with accountability and structure.
When “I”s are balanced with steady teammates, detail-focused colleagues, and decisive leaders, their enthusiasm turns into lasting performance. They keep morale high, encourage creativity, and remind others of the importance of human connection in every workplace.
Here’s the Point 🔵 The power of “I” is its ability to inspire and connect, and its greatest impact comes when that energy is focused into outcomes that last.