Speak Their DiSC Language: How to Communicate with Every Style at Work

Introduction

Have you ever felt like a team conversation went sideways even though your intentions were good? Often, communication misfires aren't about the message itself—they're about your approach and your style. That's where Everything DiSC comes in. DiSC is a simple, research-backed model that helps us understand how people prefer to communicate—and how we can flex to build better relationships.

The Four DiSC Styles

• D – Dominance: Fast-paced, results-driven. This person prefers direct and efficient communication.

• i – Influence: Outgoing, enthusiastic. This person thrives on stories, optimism, and emotional engagement from colleagues.

• S – Steadiness: Calm, patient. This person values consistency, collaboration, and supportive dialogue among colleagues.

• C – Conscientiousness: Precise, analytical. This person prefers structured, logical, and factual conversations.

  
  

How to Identify Your Style

Take a moment to reflect: Do you speak in bullet points or stories? Do you want the bottom line or the full context? A DiSC assessment is the best way to identify your core style, and self-awareness is a great start to improving relationships with others.

Flexing Your Style to Build Trust

• When talking to someone with a D style, be brief, to the point, and focus on goals.

• With someone of the i style, be expressive, use stories, and show enthusiasm.

• To engage someone of the S style, build rapport, listen well, and be reassuring.

• For someone of the C style, come prepared with data and stay on topic.

Common Misfires and Fixes

• D to C: "You're too slow!" → Try: "Can you walk me through your thought process so that I understand?"

• i to S: "Oh, lets’ just wing it!" → Try: "Here’s what we can do first, then next."

• S to D: "I want to think about it some more." → Try: "I’m thinking of two options—which one of these do you prefer?"

Practical Exercise: Style-Shift Cheat Sheet

Create a team communication map where each team member’s DiSC style is visible. Use it in meetings to remind everyone to adapt their tone and delivery.

Conclusion

When you speak the language your teammates naturally understand, you get more than clarity—you get connection. DiSC helps us go beyond just "saying it right" to "saying it in a way that works."