Using DISC to Build Stronger Remote Teams on Zoom and Slack
Remote work is here to stay, whether your team is scattered across the Bronx or you’re hopping on Zoom calls with folks in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Yonkers, or New Rochelle. If you’re leading a team or working with colleagues from different backgrounds, you know how quickly tone can get lost in a text, or how fast a video call can feel like a marathon. The DISC model can help you keep your team’s communication clear and your relationships strong-no matter how far apart you are.
Why DISC Matters in Remote Communication
The DISC assessment is all about understanding your personality and the way you interact with others. When you know your DISC profile-and the profiles of your teammates-you can tailor your communication style to fit each person. This is especially useful in remote work, where you don’t have the benefit of reading body language in the hallway or catching up over coffee.
- Direct communicators may come off as blunt in chat messages.
- Supportive folks might not speak up as much on video calls.
- Detail-oriented teammates could feel overwhelmed by fast-moving group chats.
- Outgoing personalities might dominate conversations if you’re not careful.
Tip: Ask your team to take a DISC assessment and share results. It’s a shortcut to understanding how each person likes to give and receive information.
Keeping Your Team’s Tone Friendly and Clear
On Zoom and Slack, tone gets lost easily. You might fire off a quick message, only to realize it sounded cold or impatient. With DISC, you can quickly identify who values warmth and encouragement, and who wants you to get straight to the point. Here’s how to adjust:
- Use emojis or friendly greetings for those who prefer a personal touch.
- Stick to the facts and keep it brief for direct communicators.
- Give context and check in on feelings with supportive personalities.
- Offer step-by-step instructions for detail-driven folks.
Action step: Before you hit send, pause and ask yourself: Is my message clear for all DISC types? A few extra seconds can prevent misunderstandings down the road.
Matching Your Tempo to the Team’s Needs
Some people thrive on fast-paced discussions; others need time to process. DISC training helps you notice these differences and adjust your meeting tempo. Maybe you’ve noticed that team members in Brooklyn or Manhattan like to keep things moving, while others want to slow down and dig deeper. Here’s how you can strike a balance:
- Set clear agendas and stick to them.
- Invite everyone to share thoughts-some may need a little nudge.
- Use private chats or follow-up emails for those who don’t love speaking up in large groups.
- Leave space for questions at the end of every meeting.
Takeaway: Not everyone works at the same speed. By matching your tempo to your team’s DISC profiles, you make sure everyone feels heard-and nobody gets left behind.
Building Trust Without the Coffee Breaks
Trust is hard to build when you’re not meeting face-to-face. In places like Yonkers or Queens, you might be used to a quick lunch run or water cooler chat. With remote work, you need new ways to show reliability and empathy. DISC training can help you create rituals that build trust, even when you’re connecting by screen:
- Schedule regular one-on-ones to check in-beyond just work tasks.
- Be clear about expectations and stick to your word.
- Celebrate wins, big or small, in team channels.
- Show vulnerability: admit when you don’t have all the answers.
Try this: Start your next Zoom call by recognizing a teammate’s recent success, or ask an open-ended question to get people talking. Trust builds one small moment at a time.
Applying DISC Training to Your Daily Remote Routine
Whether your daily commute is a walk from the bedroom to the kitchen or you’re checking in with colleagues in New Rochelle or Brooklyn, DISC training gives you practical tools for better teamwork. You don’t have to overhaul your whole system-just start with one small change:
- Use DISC language in feedback and recognition.
- Encourage the team to talk about their work preferences.
- Set up a DISC cheat sheet for quick reference before meetings.
Next step: Pick one DISC-inspired communication strategy to use in your next Zoom or Slack interaction. Pay attention to the response and adjust as needed. Over time, these small steps lead to better understanding and stronger teams-no matter where you’re logging in from.