This is the first of a four part series on Style.

When conducting Taking Flight With DISC training, we discuss the hidden genius that each DISC style possesses. This remarkable ability comes so naturally to each style that they may barely notice it, yet this genius plays a major role in their own success. It’s also a skill that none of the other styles possess at the genius level.

First up, the Hidden Genius of D’s. Ever notice how people who score high in Dominant Style energy don’t exactly shy away from conflict? In fact, they seem to relish it. A D in one of our DISC sessions recently related a story that illustrates this idea. He was once having a conversation with a fellow D colleague when someone who had been sitting near by walked up and said in a stern whisper, “Excuse me, but if you are going to argue about this, would you mind going into one of your offices.” As they walked away, the two D’s looked at each other and wondered aloud, “Were we fighting?”

To a D, having an impassioned debate is exhilarating and often brings out their best thinking. It’s not a ‘conflict,’ it’s a conversation that leads to clarity… clarity about the right course of action to take…clarity about what the results will lead to. If achieving this requires a back and forth exchange where conviction and even volume is amplified, then D’s are happy to oblige.

The question is why are D’s so comfortable with conflict? The answer reveals their hidden genius, a skill that I’s, S’s, and C’s can benefit from enormously: Simply put, D’s don’t take it personally.

Two D’s can have an assertive exchange (sometimes called a heated argument), and then go have lunch. It’s simply not personal. There will be little, if any, emotional residue from the encounter.

This allows D’s to remain agile and free of resistance as they navigate from one negotiation to the next, one project to the next, or even one career to the next. In other words, D’s don’t drag around emotional baggage because they don’t pack it in the first place. Not a bad idea, don’t you think?

So, the next time you are in an emotionally charged situation, try to unearth the hidden D that’s buried within. You may find that assertiveness has its advantages and doesn’t require too much reflection afterwards.

Daniel Silvert, is the VP of Learning and Development for Team Builders Plus, in Marlton, NJ and co-author of Taking Flight!: Master the Four Behavioral Styles and Transform Your Career, Your Relationships...Your Life. Daniel is a sought after facilitator, performance coach, and management consultant. He specializes in leadership development, team building, and organizational development. Daniel also coaches individuals using 360-degree feedback results and behavioral style analysis. Daniel speaks at Human Resource conferences and Business Networking events around the country. Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanielSilvert or learn more about Team Builders Plus at http://www.TeamBuildersPlus.com or Daniel’s book, Taking Flight! at http://www.TakingFlightwithDISC.com