How DISC Helps You Decide: Email or Phone Call?
If you work in North Druid Hills or travel between nearby spots like Brookhaven, Decatur, Chamblee, Tucker, or Dunwoody, you know how much communication shapes your workday. Whether you’re leading a project, managing a team, or just trying to get things done, you’ve probably wondered: Should I send an email, or is this a pick-up-the-phone situation? The DISC model can help you make the right call-literally and figuratively.
DISC and Communication Choices
The DISC model breaks down how people prefer to communicate, solve problems, and work together. Each of the four DISC styles-Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness-has different preferences when it comes to getting and sharing information. If you want to get your point across and keep things moving, you need to match your approach to the other person’s style.
- D (Dominance): Direct, quick, results-focused
- I (Influence): Social, enthusiastic, people-focused
- S (Steadiness): Calm, steady, supportive
- C (Conscientiousness): Precise, detail-oriented, analytical
Knowing these styles helps you decide when a quick phone call is best-or when an email is the smarter move.
Tip: Start paying attention to how your team responds to different types of communication. You’ll start noticing patterns fast.
When Email Works Best
Email is a great tool for sharing details, data, and anything that needs a paper trail. It gives people time to read, process, and respond.
- Conscientiousness (C) types love email. They appreciate having all the information in writing and time to think it over.
- Steadiness (S) types also like email-especially for updates or instructions that aren’t urgent.
If you’re in a fast-paced environment, like running between meetings in Decatur or heading over to Tucker for a client visit, email lets you get the facts out without waiting for someone to pick up the phone.
Quick takeaway: Choose email when the details matter, or when you want a clear, documented conversation.
When It’s Better to Pick Up the Phone
Some situations call for a real-time conversation. A phone call can clear up confusion, show empathy, or get a quick decision.
- Dominance (D) types prefer phone calls for fast answers or making decisions.
- Influence (I) types love connecting by voice. They respond well to energy and personal connection, which is hard to get across in an email.
If you’re driving down Peachtree Road to Brookhaven or waiting for a quick answer before a meeting in Dunwoody, a call can save time and build trust.
Try this today: If you sense someone’s frustrated or unclear, pick up the phone. You’ll often resolve things in minutes.
Real-World Examples: Using DISC Every Day
- Scheduling a Team Meeting: Email works well for C and S styles, who want time to review the agenda. If your group includes D or I types, follow up with a quick call or text to confirm and energize the group.
- Resolving a Conflict: Phone calls are best when emotions run high. It’s easier to read tone and offer support.
- Sharing Big News: I styles love phone calls or in-person chats-think about how you’d share a win after landing a new client in Chamblee.
- Delivering Instructions: C and S styles want the details in writing. Follow up a call with a summary email if needed.
Takeaway for Teams: Mix up your communication. Use email for clarity and records, and phone calls for connection and quick decisions.
How to Choose: Quick Reference
| Situation | Best for Email | Best for Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing updates or instructions | C, S | D, I (with follow-up) |
| Making decisions | C (if data-driven) | D, I |
| Resolving confusion or conflict | S (after call) | D, I, S |
| Celebrating wins | C, S | I, D |
Action step: Next time you’re about to send an email or pick up the phone, think about the DISC style of the person you’re contacting. Adjust your approach and see how much smoother things go.
Bringing DISC to Your Team
If you’re in North Druid Hills or traveling to places like Brookhaven, Decatur, Chamblee, Tucker, or Dunwoody, you know how diverse communication styles can be. DISC training helps you and your team build stronger connections and work smarter-no matter where you are.
- Use the DISC assessment to learn your team’s styles
- Practice matching your communication to the situation and the person
- Try switching up your usual approach and watch for better results
The right mix of email and phone calls-guided by DISC-can mean fewer misunderstandings and a lot more progress, whether you’re in the office or traveling between meetings. Give it a try and see how it changes your day.