How DISC Can Help You Decide: Should You Email or Call?
When you’re working with colleagues, clients, or partners, the big question often is: do you send an email, or do you pick up the phone? If you’ve ever gone back and forth trying to decide, you’re not alone. The DISC model offers practical ways to make that decision easier and to get better results from your communication. Whether you’re in the heart of Lompoc or driving out to Santa Maria, Orcutt, Goleta, Arroyo Grande, or Carpinteria for a meeting, knowing when to write and when to call can save time and reduce misunderstandings.
DISC and Communication Styles: Why It Matters
DISC is a simple way to understand personality types: D (Dominance), I (Influence), S (Steadiness), and C (Conscientiousness). Each style prefers different ways of communicating. By spotting these preferences, you can tailor your approach-especially when deciding between email and phone calls.
- D types: Direct and decisive. They value quick, action-oriented communication.
- I types: Social and talkative. They respond well to personal connections.
- S types: Calm and steady. They appreciate clarity and a personal touch.
- C types: Detail-oriented and thoughtful. They prefer clear, well-organized information.
Tip: Before you send your next message, think about which style matches the person you’re contacting. Adjusting your method can make your message stick.
When to Send an Email
Sending an email works best when you need to share details, create a written record, or reach someone who likes to process information at their own pace. If you’re working with a C or S style, email is often the way to go.
- Sharing project updates, timelines, or checklists
- Documenting decisions or agreements
- Communicating with people who prefer written instructions
- When your message isn’t urgent
- When you need to reach someone outside normal hours (like folks working late in Goleta or early in Santa Maria)
Next step: Before you hit “send,” ask yourself: is this a question or update that can wait for a reply? If yes, email is a safe bet.
When to Pick Up the Phone
Sometimes, nothing beats a good old-fashioned conversation. If your message is urgent, complex, or sensitive, calling is usually the right move-especially with D or I styles. A quick call can prevent confusion and show you care.
- Solving problems or handling misunderstandings
- Discussing feedback or difficult topics
- Brainstorming ideas or making fast decisions
- Building relationships (think about those friendly chats on the drive to Carpinteria or Orcutt)
- When tone and intent might be misunderstood in writing
Tip: If you sense tension or see an email thread getting too long, pick up the phone. You’ll clear things up faster and avoid back-and-forth.
How DISC Training Makes This Easier
DISC training helps you recognize these cues in yourself and others, making it easier to decide your best approach. Through assessments and interactive workshops, you and your team learn to spot communication preferences and adapt in real time-whether you’re working remotely or commuting between Arroyo Grande and Lompoc.
- Role play common workplace scenarios
- Build self-awareness about your own style
- Practice adapting your approach for different personalities
- See immediate results in workplace communication and team meetings
Takeaway: Sign up for a DISC assessment or workshop and bring these skills to your daily routine, from your inbox to your next conference call.
Quick Reference: Email or Phone?
| Situation | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Sharing details or instructions | |
| Handling urgent or sensitive issues | Phone |
| Building relationships | Phone |
| Documenting agreements | |
| Brainstorming ideas | Phone |
Suggestion: Print this table and keep it at your desk for quick reference.
Make Communication Smoother Starting Today
Whether you’re in Lompoc or heading to Santa Maria, Orcutt, Goleta, Arroyo Grande, or Carpinteria, using DISC to guide your communication choices can help you connect better and avoid common misunderstandings. Next time you’re deciding between typing out an email or dialing a number, remember: matching your method to the person and the message makes all the difference.
- Think about the DISC style of your contact
- Choose your communication method based on the situation
- Use DISC training to keep improving your team’s communication
Action step: Try using DISC to guide your next important message-see how it changes the response you get.