Spotting Communication Clues in Remote Teams with DISC
If you’re leading or working on a remote team, you know how easily messages can get lost in translation. Understanding DISC personality styles gives you an edge, especially when you’re collaborating from different locations-whether you’re dialing in from Bell, connecting with a client in Bell Gardens, or messaging a colleague from Huntington Park. Here’s how you can spot key DISC signals in your everyday remote work, making teamwork smoother and meetings more productive.
How DISC Shows Up in Remote Messages
DISC is a simple model that explains four main styles of behavior: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each style has its own way of communicating-especially in emails, chats, and video calls. If you’re familiar with DISC, you’ll start to notice:
- Directness: Some team members jump straight to the point and keep emails short. This usually signals a Dominance style. You might see this coming from someone managing a project from Bell or coordinating schedules with teams in Downey.
- Friendly Openers: Others lead with a personal question or a quick story before diving into business. That’s often an Influence style at work-think of colleagues who enjoy connecting, whether they’re in Bellflower or out in Montebello.
- Steady Tone: You’ll notice folks who always check in on everyone’s workload or feelings. They use phrases like, “How is everyone holding up?” or “Is this timeline good for you?” That’s the Steadiness style, which helps remote groups in places like South Gate feel supported.
- Detail-Focused Replies: If you get long, thorough emails with bullet points and clear references, you’re likely working with someone high in Conscientiousness. They help keep projects on track, whether you’re collaborating from Bell or reaching out to a teammate in Commerce.
Try this: Next time you’re reading an email or instant message from your team, look for these signals. It can help you tailor your response and reduce confusion.
Meeting Dynamics: Reading the Room, Even on Zoom
Remote meetings can feel like a juggling act, especially when you’re balancing input from different DISC styles. Here’s what to watch for and how to use it:
- Quick Decision-Makers: Some team members want to move fast and wrap up meetings quickly. Recognize this DISC trait and try to present key points first, then circle back for details if needed.
- Chatty Collaborators: If someone makes small talk and brings energy, let them break the ice. This builds rapport, even across screens. Just make sure conversations stay focused-especially when you have people logging in from busy offices in Huntington Park or South Gate.
- Supportive Listeners: Look for team members who encourage quieter voices and check for consensus. Give them a chance to help summarize action items at the end.
- Process-Oriented Participants: Some will want clear agendas and follow-up notes. Let them take the lead on documentation, and everyone will benefit from their attention to detail.
Takeaway: Adjust your approach in meetings based on these cues. It brings out the best in everyone-no matter where they’re working from.
Emails and Chats: Reading Between the Lines with DISC
Remote work relies on written communication. You’ll spot DISC styles in how people respond, and you can adjust your own messages to get better results:
- Be brief and clear with direct styles-give them the bottom line first.
- Use positive, enthusiastic language with social styles-a little friendliness goes a long way.
- Show patience and appreciation with steady styles-they value reassurance.
- Provide details and examples with analytical styles-they respect thoroughness.
Action step: Before you hit send, scan your message for style. Is it clear for every DISC type? Adjust as needed to reach everyone on your Bell-based team (and wherever else your people are working from).
Team Building Across Different Locations
Whether you’re meeting in Bell or organizing a virtual lunch with teammates from Downey, Commerce, Huntington Park, Bell Gardens, or South Gate, DISC can help you spot-and celebrate-each person’s strengths. Try these quick team-building tips:
- Rotate meeting roles so each DISC style gets to shine.
- Use DISC-friendly icebreakers-ask people to share communication tips that work best for them.
- Create a shared document for team norms, so everyone’s style is respected.
Next step: Ask your team which DISC style they think fits them best. It’s a fun way to kick off a meeting and build understanding across locations.
Why Knowing DISC Makes Remote Work Easier
When you recognize DISC signals in your remote team, you’ll see less confusion and more collaboration. As you develop this awareness, you’ll find it easier to:
- Resolve misunderstandings before they escalate
- Assign work in a way that matches each person’s strengths
- Keep everyone engaged-whether they’re in the office or working from afar
Tip: Share a DISC assessment with your team. Understanding each other’s style is one of the fastest ways to improve remote teamwork, whether your colleagues are in Bell or one of the surrounding cities.