When many people think of leaders, they picture hard-driving, take charge visionaries or if we utilize the language of the DISC system, we visualize people with the Dominant or D style, such as Donald Trump. Others envision motivational, charismatic and optimistic leaders who embody the Interactive I DISC style like Richard Branson. Or maybe, they describe a leader who has innovated an industry by creating quality products driven by a Conscientious C style leader, such as Bill Gates.

But what about the S’s? Those with the Supportive DISC style are often undervalued as leaders and that’s a mistake. S leaders create organizations without rigid boundaries. They seek input from people at every level, drive consensus, and generate wide-spread support for organizational decisions. They are willing to share authority and have a democratic leadership style. In such a laid-back, friendly atmosphere, employees are given the space to bring out their best, collectively driving high morale and productivity.

So the next time you encounter an S and wonder if they can be a great leader, consider that Abraham Lincoln did a pretty good job…and he was an S.