Here's How the DISC Types Feel About Brainstorming

Brainstorming. For some, it’s an exhilarating chance to share big ideas and spark creativity. For others, it’s that dreaded meeting where all you want to do is hide under the table and pretend you’re not there. Whether you love it or hate it, brainstorming is a fact of office life—and understanding how personality types approach this process can make it infinitely better.

The DISC personality framework offers insight into four different working styles: Drive, Influence, Support and Clarity. Each type brings something unique to the table during brainstorming sessions, and understanding these differences can transform how you work with others. Whether you’re an enthusiastic brainstormer or an observer who needs time to process ideas, this blog will help you discover how to make the most of your brainstorming experience.

Drive Types – "Let's Get Things Done!"

How Drive Types Feel About Brainstorming: Love it—but only if it’s action-oriented. 

For Drive types, brainstorming is an opportunity to tackle challenges head-on and find practical solutions. They approach sessions with purpose, focusing on outcomes over processes. They’re likely the ones steering the conversation back when it veers off track, injecting energy into the room, or cutting through the fluff to focus on “the how.”

What Brainstorming Looks Like for a Drive Type: 

Drive types are raised to the challenge when there’s a clear objective. They thrive in brainstorming sessions that have structure, defined goals and measurable outcomes. However, they can get frustrated when the process becomes too abstract or when people focus on impractical ideas.

If You’re a Drive Type: 

• Make time to understand and respect differing perspectives, even if they seem less practical at first. 
• Avoid taking over the session—leave room for others to contribute ideas, even if they’re not as quick to share. 
• Be prepared to refine your action-oriented ideas after the session—you may be great at driving initial solutions but might miss some nuances. 

If You’re Brainstorming With a Drive Type: 

• Set goals and clarify the purpose of the session from the get-go. 
• Keep the conversation efficient—Drive types dislike wasting time on fluff. 
• Give them tasks to turn big ideas into actionable steps after the session. They’ll love leading the charge.

Influence Types – "Let's Think BIG!"

How Influence Types Feel About Brainstorming: Absolutely love it—brainstorming fuels their creativity. 

For Influence types, brainstorming is where they shine. Throwing out bold, innovative ideas and collaborating with the team is their zone of genius. They thrive in these creative, unscripted environments but can struggle to translate ideas into concrete plans.

What Brainstorming Looks Like for an Influence Type: 

The energy in the room skyrockets when you have an Influence type onboard. They’re full of enthusiasm, and their contagious excitement fosters collaboration and creativity. However, sometimes their ideas outpace practicality, and they might need help reining it all back in.

If You’re an Influence Type: 

• Write down your ideas during the session to keep track of them—this will help you organize your creative bursts. 
• Be mindful of balancing your contributions with others’ input. Encourage quieter teammates to share their thoughts. 
• Follow up by reflecting on how your ideas can be implemented realistically. 

If You’re Brainstorming With an Influence Type: 

• Create an open and energetic environment—they’ll thrive when ideas flow freely. 
• Provide feedback that balances encouragement with constructive input—Influence types respond well to positive engagement. 
• Stay focused on practical follow-ups to funnel their creativity into actionable outcomes. 

Support Types – "How Does Everyone Feel About This?"

How Support Types Feel About Brainstorming: Mixed—it’s all about collaboration and teamwork. 

Support types value harmony and ensuring everyone has a voice. They enjoy brainstorming that feels inclusive, supportive and collaborative, but they may shy away from voicing ideas if the environment feels overly competitive or chaotic.

What Brainstorming Looks Like for a Support Type: 

Support types often play the role of mediator or encourager during brainstorming—they’re more likely to build on someone else’s ideas than push their own. They care about fostering a sense of camaraderie and might spend more time listening than speaking.

If You’re a Support Type: 

• Remember that your ideas deserve to be heard! Practice sharing your thoughts confidently, even if they’re not fully formed. 
• Look for collaborators who can help refine or expand your ideas. 
• Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions to guide the conversation—your insights as a listener are valuable. 

If You’re Brainstorming With a Support Type: 

• Give them space to contribute without putting them on the spot. 
• Create a safe, inclusive environment where all ideas feel welcome. 
• Offer encouragement when they share their thoughts—Support types thrive on positive reinforcement.

Clarity Types – "Does This Make Sense?"

How Clarity Types Feel About Brainstorming: Hate it—unless it’s structured and completely logical. 

Clarity types often approach brainstorming with hesitation. They like clarity, facts and measured decision-making and might struggle in freewheeling, chaotic brainstorming sessions. To get them engaged, the process needs to be purposeful and methodical.

What Brainstorming Looks Like for a Clarity Type: 

For Clarity types, brainstorming can feel disorganized and overwhelming. They prefer to have the time to process ideas independently, so they can analyze the viability and think through solutions. Once they’ve had this time, however, they can provide valuable, well-thought-out contributions.

If You’re a Clarity Type: 

• Don't hesitate to ask for a clear agenda and structure before the session—it will help you feel more at ease. 
• Jot down preliminary thoughts before the meeting to give yourself a foundation to build on. 
• Stay open to others’ brainstorming styles, even if they feel chaotic to you. 

If You’re Brainstorming With a Clarity Type: 

• Give them time to process—send materials in advance so they can prepare their ideas. 
• Keep the session structured by dividing it into smaller, clearly defined stages. 
• Ask for their input on refining and evaluating ideas—they’ll shine when it comes to logic and analysis.

What’s Your DISC Type?

Figuring out how to brainstorm effectively starts with understanding your own working style. Knowing whether you’re a Drive, Influence, Support or Clarity type (or one of the subtypes between) equips you to maximize your strengths and connect better with others. 

Curious about where you fall in the DISC system? Take Truity’s free DISC personality assessment today to discover your type, improve collaborative experiences and bring your A-game to your next brainstorming session!