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Effective communication isn’t just about delivering a message—it’s about building relationships, crafting persuasive emails, and navigating challenges with confidence. When it comes to email, self-awareness not only enhances your ability to communicate clearly but also boosts your confidence, making it easier to engage with peers, managers, and key stakeholders.

Communicate your Way to Success

The truth is much of our professional achievement is determined by how well we express ourselves to colleagues and business partners. While the DISC identifies personal motivators and triggers, it also maps out practical direction for remaining steadfastly convincing and competent even when relating to someone who seems like our complete opposite. 

We are able tell almost immediately when a colleague’s communication style is different from our own. The DISC model helps us determine the precise attributes and preferences of each style, even in cases where they are blended. Consider this: a person who likes to get to the point might find chatter and long windedness in an email to be frustrating. On the other hand, if breaking the ice and getting to know people puts them at ease, a short, direct email might be jarring. You can use DISC to provide clear instructions for how to respond to different preferences and ensure recipients hear your message as valuable and important. It’s a bit of a dance - you need to communicate with people in a way that won’t turn them off while maintaining your authenticity and honoring your own inclinations.

Notice Other Styles

I have three forgetful teenagers who are constantly begging my husband and I to bring them to school: computer chargers, lunches, homework. They know exactly how we each prefer for them to communicate with us and can predict how we might respond. Any variance from their expectations can sound their alarms. For example, I’m a writer--if my response is too succinct (e.g. “sure”,), it might catch them off guard and they will immediately demand. “WHY ARE YOU SO MAD AT ME?!"

My husband, however, can simply give a thumbs up and no one bats an eye. They have learned to navigate our different DISC styles, adapting their own to garner a favorable response. My husband might be unmoved by a wordy desperate plea, but they are smart enough to know if they take the time to write a thoughtful, funny note, with an explanation of what they want and an “XO” at the end… I’ll cave.

Identifying Communication Styles in Writing

Like teenagers trying to get what they want, we quickly pick up on the styles of our peers and key collaborators-- even if it takes us a while to fully understand them. A manager who sends correspondence that is brief and unpunctuated isn’t necessarily upset about the progress on the project, they are simply looking to get to the bottom line quickly. Even if you are the chattiest or most detail-oriented person in the world, it would be most efficient for you to return their serve by getting to the point. Meaning, put the most pertinent details first. Avoid long-winded sentences and explanations which will, in this case, probably sound defensive or maybe even look like you don’t have great control of the project.

Similarly, when speaking to someone who prefers deeper context, don’t gloss over their need to hear details because you aren’t a detail-oriented communicator. Before writing that project update, anticipate what they might ask as follow-up questions and have them ready in the first go-round.

Writing a DISC-based Email

Here are some tips for writing emails tailored to different-to-different DISC communication styles:

D- Most important information at the top, straightforward language, highlights the bottom line and potential outcomes, ask for their advice.

I-Write a friendly narrative, include a story or example that illustrates your point, include bullet pointed list of potential outcomes, include names of others who are involved.

S- Map out the message by sharing all sides and offering context for each but choose a layout that guides them on how to digest the material. You could use boldface titles for each new idea and add space between paragraphs. Thank them for taking time to think about it and allowing them the time they need. Be sincere- avoid splashy language or exclamation points.

C- Make sure to explain all sides of the issue and tell them what you find will carry the least amount of risk. Do not over-promise but be sure to tell them what could go wrong.

Don’t Forget to Nurture your Own Style Too

Here’s where the dance I mentioned earlier comes in: Even as you focus on business and use strategy to drive outcomes, you must stay true to yourself. Being authentically you is a powerful communication tool too. If you are a high I, lead an email to a high D with the pertinent details up front, but close in a way that feels natural to you- like a funny story or a warm salutation.