Characteristics of the D Behavioral Style or Reds in the DISC Model

D's behavior pattern in the DISC

Behavior refers to the set of observable actions and reactions of an individual in different situations and conditions. Understanding people’s behavioral types helps us manage our interactions with others and realize our expectations from a relationship. In the previous article, we provided a general explanation about DISC behavioral analysis, its concepts, and applications. In this article, we intend to examine one of the four behavioral types in detail. Compare what you read in this article and the following ones with your own behavior or that of those around you, so you can better understand yourself and others.

In this issue, we take a closer look at the Red behavioral type, or D, which stands for "Dominance." One of the reasons for assigning colors to each behavioral type is to reflect the person’s temperament through the conceptual meaning that the color evokes in the human mind. When you think of the color red and its connection to a person’s temperament, what comes to your mind?

The Red or D behavioral type describes individuals who seek power, dominance, influence, and control. The D type is extroverted — they talk more and listen less. Their extroversion manifests as logical thinking, reasoning, and result-orientation. In management science, there are two important concepts often confused: output and result. The result is tangible, definable, and analyzable, whereas output is merely something that has gone through a process and reached a final stage, but does not necessarily indicate a specific or better outcome. The D behavioral type is result-oriented, meaning the result is very important to them. They seek tangible and measurable outcomes that can be used to improve work and actions. If a D type does something, it must have a result. If they play, it is with the intent to win, and the concept of playing for them is "competition," not just passing time.

The D type feels stronger than their environment and therefore is prone to overconfidence. Due to their confidence, Ds can be agents of change. These changes can sometimes be positive and other times negative. Ds actively confront others. They are task-oriented and extroverted. They are direct and deal with others with a closed guard — meaning they do not easily give you credit or concessions, even if it is something as simple as offering a seat to an elderly person on the bus.

D's behavior pattern in the DISC

Reds, or Ds, are defined by these words: superiority-seeking, dominance, control, driven, determined, leadership, persistent, and decisive. Their symbols are money, power, and results. Their main characteristic is a strong desire for dominance. They are highly prone to dictatorship. Sometimes, this behavior can be seen in a high-level manager in a large company who is strict with their employees and workers. Similarly, a person with this behavioral type may exert control only within their own family. The behavioral type is the same, but they use different tools to express their inner desires. Behavioral types are found across all social classes.

Each behavioral type has different strengths and weaknesses. Let’s look at the strengths of the D type. Reds are energetic, driven, and usually pioneers. They have high perseverance and rarely get discouraged. They can handle several tasks simultaneously, dedicating high focus and energy to each. They have strong willpower, determination, and independence, and they do not stop trying until they achieve the desired result. Reds even compete with others in their minds, and their inner voice constantly instills confidence, power, and a desire to be better than everyone else. They are always hopeful and strict, and they avoid people who are hopeless and negative.

Among the weaknesses of the D type or Reds is acting beyond their authority. When they deem it necessary, Reds step beyond their limits and take actions they think are required to achieve the results they want. Supervisors whose subordinates or managers are of the D type need to be aware of this and manage it carefully.

Another weakness of the D type is their overly rational outlook. They seek reasons for everything and often ignore the fact that sometimes events happen due to unforeseen circumstances. They look for reasons for even the smallest matters and sometimes develop a negative bias. In emotional family interactions, they expect others to understand from their actions that they love them, and see no need to verbally express the word "love." However, they should know that not everyone approaches matters with such logic and reasoning.

Another weakness is their opposition to routine or any repetitive process. They dislike repeating the same cycle continuously. Because they seek excitement and challenges, a daily routine quickly becomes mundane for them and wears down their spirit. They need to understand that merely changing daily routines at work or in life does not necessarily improve conditions.

Another weakness of Ds is their sudden intense effort. When they decide a task must be done or a goal must be reached but hasn’t been yet, they can easily dedicate 60 to 70 percent of their time, energy, and resources to achieving that goal. If necessary, this amount can consume all of the Red type’s time around the clock. Reds tend to see other behavioral types as losers and complainers.

When a Red speaks on the phone, they rarely engage in small talk and quickly get to the point. In conversations with others, they are very blunt and may interrupt several times, rapidly moving on to the next topic.

Their tone of voice is powerful and commanding. They speak quickly and have little patience for details. They communicate easily and state their demands clearly. When talking to them, do not try to become overly friendly or establish a personal connection. They like to answer challenging questions or hear about logical facts and only discuss issues with high effectiveness. When speaking with them, always try to focus on results. If you explain something, be sure to point out the outcome. Reds like to know what result a particular action will have for them. One way to recognize a Red or D behavioral type in conversation is their quick move to the main point.

I hope this brief explanation has helped you become more familiar with this behavioral pattern.