SI Careers

The SI is collaborative and supportive, hence their nickname “The Collaborator“.

In this article, we will explore the Collaborator style, which was introduced as part of the DISC model. We will get to grips with the core traits of a Collaborator, their strengths in the workplace and some careers they may be best suited to. Furthermore, we’ll take a look at some careers they may want to approach with caution.

Overview of the SI (Collaborator)

The SI, or “The Collaborator”, personality style is made up of a combination of the Steadiness and Influence personality types found in the DISC model. The combination of these two types tends to create an enthusiatic and collaborative team player who focuses on supporting others.

SI-style individuals tend to be team-spirited, encouraging, approachable, generous and compassionate. They value acceptance and seek close relationships with others. Furthermore, they are fantastic listeners who care about identifying other peoples strengths and making sure each team member feel heard. Collaborators tend to fear facing aggressive conflict. Because of this, they may avoid addressing any issues and can become overly personal and kind.

Career Considerations

Many of an SIs strengths lay in their compassionate and collaborative nature. At work, they bring key qualities to the workplace, for example:

• Empathy. The SI is empathetic, compassionate and caring to others.
• Listening Skills. The SI has exceptional listening skills and likes to ensure that everybody is heard and understood.
• Team Player Attitude. The SI thrives on collaboration and therefore works excellently as part of a team.
• Leadership Skills. Due to their emphasis on working in teams and ability to build trusting relationships, the SI tends to make great leaders.
• Conflict Resolution. The SI fears conflict and when it arises between others, they will solve it diplomacy and sensitivity.

Best Careers for the SI

The SI tends to be energized at work through loyalty and building personal relations. They are likely to thrive in harmonious workplaces, where they can work in efficient teams. A career as an executive assistant, for example, will allow an SI to work in a collaborative and supportive team. Similarly, the SI is likely to thrive in certain leadership positions, due to their caring and collaborative nature. Therefore, they may be well suited to a career as a human resources manager.

What is really important to an SI is being able to help others. Collaborators have a true sense of empathy and compassion. Thus, they are likely to thrive in sociable careers which place a huge emphasis on working closely with and helping others. This includes careers such as teachers, counselors, social workers, therapists, personal trainers, nutritionists or nurses.

Worst Careers for the SI

It is highly unlikely that the SI will thrive in roles that do not promote social interaction. Similarly, roles that also place no emphasis on helping others are likely to frustrate the generous SI. Based on this, those with an SI style may want to approach careers in accountancy, architecture or computer programming with caution.

The SI thrives on collaboration and harmony. Therefore, overly competitive work environments or team members that are too independent may stress an SI. Careers in sales, banking, stockbroking or recruitment, for example, may cause an SI to feel overwhelmed.