How to work With Your Opposite DISC Style Without Losing Your Cool

Ever feel like you’re working with someone from another planet? You say one thing, they hear another. You want to move fast; they want to slow down. You like details; they want big ideas. What feels natural to you may seem confusing, or even annoying, to them. Welcome to the world of opposite DISC styles.

The good news? Opposites don’t have to clash. In fact, when you understand them, they can turn into some of your best working partners. 

Why Do Opposites Clash?

In the Extended DISC^® model, opposites are the styles that don’t share a dividing line (axis) among the 4 quadrants. This means they don't share preferred ways of doing things; what feels natural to one often feels uncomfortable to the other. 

Here's how it works:

• D-style and S-style are opposites. D-styles are active and task-focused. They're independent and want results now. S-styles are more reserved and people-focused. They're team players and prefer steady, predictable progress.
• I-style and C-style are also opposites. I-styles are active and people-focused. They thrive on energy, interactions,  and the big picture. C-styles are reserved and task-focused. They prefer structure, detail, and accuracy.

The problems happen when we expect others to think and act like us. For example,  a D-style may see an S-style as slow and stubborn, while the S-style sees the D-style as too abrupt. Similarly,  a C-style might see an I-style as “all talk and no follow-through," whereas the I-style may see the C-style as overly detailed and distant. The truth is, neither style is wrong. They’re just different. And sometimes, those differences can feel frustrating. 

Tips for Working With Your Opposite Style

Want to make it easier? Try these quick adjustments. Remember, you can always refer to your Extended DISC® report for tips that are specific to your unique DISC style.

If you’re a D-style working with an S-style:

• Slow down. Give them time to process before pushing for decisions.
• Show appreciation for their loyalty and steady work.
• Avoid coming across as too blunt or impatient.

If you’re an S-style working with a D-style:

• Be direct. Get to the point quickly.
• Show how your ideas save time or drive results.
• Don’t take their intensity personally. It’s about the task, not you.

If you’re an I-style working with a C-style:

• Come prepared with facts and details, not just big ideas.
• Stick to the topic and respect their need for structure.
• Follow through; your credibility depends on it.

If you’re a C-style working with an I-style:

• Allow some space for brainstorming and enthusiasm.
• Don’t overwhelm them with too many details upfront.
• Recognize their need for connection before diving into the task.

Why Opposites Can Be the Best Partners

Here’s a little secret: your opposite style has strengths you don’t. Opposite styles actually complement each other. For example, a C-style’s accuracy balances an I-style’s creativity. A D-style’s drive teams well with an S-style’s steadiness. When you learn to flex and adjust, you get better results. Instead of seeing differences as problems, you'll start to see them as predictable and helpful. The key is having awareness.

What's Your Opposite DISC Style?

Opposites don’t have to drive you crazy. They can actually bring out your best work. You simply need to be willing to flex a little. Extended DISC^® gives you the language to shift from “Why are they like this?” to “I see why they do this, and here’s how I can adjust.”

That's when differences stop being roadblocks and start becoming strengths. You realize that working with your opposite style isn’t just possible; it’s powerful.

So, what’s your opposite style? And what’s one small adjustment you could try this week?

Check out this podcast to hear tips on navigating the workplace when your manager is your opposite style.