Using DISC to Improve Workplace Email Communication

The DISC personality test, based on the DISC model (dominance, influence, steadiness, conscientiousness) founded by William Moulton Marston, is an excellent assessment tool to help improve workplace email communication workplace settings. Each personality type has its work style tendencies, preferences, and dislikes, both for sending and receiving messages, leading to misunderstandings or conflicts.

In any workplace environment, it's important to consider how your communication style might be perceived by colleagues or clients in different industries. Let's explore how each DISC personality type can be applied in workplace communication:

D Personality: Task-Oriented & Active

Sending: In a workplace environment, D types tend to be direct and straight to the point, which is often appreciated by busy professionals. However, it's important to add a brief introduction or greeting to maintain a professional tone.

Receiving: D personality styles respond well to concise, well-ordered emails, such as bullet points or quick questions, but will likely gloss over messages that are longer or harder to read. To ensure clear communication, it's best to keep messages brief and to-the-point.

I Personality: People-Oriented & Active

Sending: In workplace communication, I personality types may want to convey their personality through jokes or emoticons, but it's important to maintain a professional tone. Depending on the industry or audience, it may be more appropriate to be concise and to-the-point.

Receiving: I types in a work environment appreciate messages that help them get organized or have explicit instructions or answers. To ensure clear communication, it's important to provide specific details and avoid lengthy emails.

S Personality: People-Oriented & Passive

Sending: S personalities in workplace communication want to create a positive and personal connection with their audience. Adding questions or using emoticons to display a positive tone can help to build relationships with clients or colleagues.

Receiving: S types appreciate messages that are well-written and convey a positive tone. They may read through entire email messages, so it's important to provide clear and concise information.

C Personality: Task-Oriented & Passive

Sending: C personality types in B2B communication are detail-oriented and want to ensure the accuracy and completeness of their messages. They may write lengthy emails to ensure all relevant details are included. However, it's important to keep in mind the time constraints of busy professionals and keep messages as concise as possible.

Receiving: C types in a work environment appreciate detailed and complete responses to their inquiries, but it's important to balance this with brevity and clarity. To avoid miscommunication, it's important to provide specific details in a clear and concise manner.

In addition to helping individuals improve their communication skills, the DISC model can also have significant benefits for businesses. By identifying and understanding the communication styles of employees and clients, businesses can improve team communication, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

To make the most of the DISC model in workplace communication, be sure to:

• Identify your own DISC personality type and learn about the communication styles of colleagues and clients in your industry.
• Tailor your email communication to the preferences of the recipient's DISC personality type.
• Use clear and concise language and provide specific details to avoid misunderstandings.
• Maintain a professional tone and avoid informal language or slang.
• Keep it professional. Regardless of the recipient's personality type, it's always important to maintain a professional tone in workplace emails. Avoid using slang, emoticons, or inappropriate language. Remember, your emails are a reflection of your professionalism and can impact your reputation.
• Use a clear subject line. A clear and concise subject line helps the recipient understand the email's purpose and priority. Use specific and descriptive language to help the recipient quickly identify the email's content and relevance.
• Avoid CC and reply-all overload. Be mindful of who you include in your email's CC field and avoid reply-all unless necessary. Overloading recipients with unnecessary emails can lead to frustration and decreased productivity.
• Be mindful of tone. Tone is critical in workplace emails. Be careful with the words you choose and the tone you convey. If a message comes across as hostile or confrontational, it can damage relationships and cause unnecessary conflict.
• Proofread before sending. Before hitting send, always proofread your email. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, ensure the email is clear and concise, and review the tone to ensure it's appropriate. Taking a moment to proofread can save you from potential embarrassment or miscommunication.