Email or Phone? Make Better Choices with DISC Communication Styles
As a professional, leader, or team member, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I send this by email, or is it better to just call?” If you work in Corona or often travel to places like Riverside, Norco, Anaheim, Lake Elsinore, or Chino Hills, you know how fast things can move in Southern California workplaces. Clear communication can make the difference between a smooth project and a week full of headaches. The DISC model of personality can help you decide which method works best for each situation-and for each person on your team.
Understand Your DISC Communication Style
DISC breaks down communication into four main styles: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). Each style has a preferred way of giving and receiving information. Recognizing your own style, and the styles of people you work with, gives you an edge when choosing how to connect.
- D (Dominance): Direct, results-driven, prefers quick updates.
- I (Influence): Social, enthusiastic, enjoys personal connection.
- S (Steadiness): Patient, dependable, values stability and clarity.
- C (Conscientiousness): Detailed, analytical, appreciates thoroughness.
Takeaway: The DISC assessment gives you a language for understanding why some people love email and others would rather jump on a call.
When DISC Says “Send an Email”
Consider using email when you need to:
- Share detailed information or instructions (especially helpful for C-types).
- Document decisions and next steps for future reference (S and C styles appreciate this).
- Give someone time to process before responding (great for S and C personalities).
- Reach someone who’s always on the go, like your D-style executive who’s hopping meetings across the Inland Empire.
Tip: Use bullet points and clear subject lines to make your emails easy to scan, especially if you’re working with D or C styles.
When DISC Says “Pick Up the Phone”
A phone call might be your best move when you need to:
- Handle sensitive topics or resolve misunderstandings (I and S styles respond well to personal touch).
- Brainstorm, collaborate, or make quick decisions (D and I styles thrive on real-time interaction).
- Build rapport with teammates, especially if you’ve never met face-to-face.
- Give feedback or deliver news that could be misinterpreted in writing.
Next step: Before you dial, jot down your main points so you stay focused-this keeps your D and C colleagues engaged and respects everyone’s time.
Practical Examples for Everyday Work
Think about your last busy week in Corona. Maybe you were in Riverside for a morning meeting, then off to Anaheim for a client call, or connecting with a supplier in Norco. Here’s how you can apply DISC to choose your communication method:
- Scheduling Projects: Email with clear deadlines works best for your detail-oriented team members. For fast-moving projects, a quick call keeps everyone on the same page.
- Addressing Concerns: If a misunderstanding pops up, call to talk it through-especially if you’re working with someone who values connection or reassurance.
- Sharing Updates: Routine updates or follow-ups? Email is efficient, especially when traveling between Lake Elsinore and Chino Hills, and your team needs information in writing.
Takeaway: Match your message to the person and the situation. Use what you know from DISC to save time and build trust.
Tips for Blending Email and Phone with DISC
- Ask your team about their preferences-everyone appreciates being asked!
- Start with an email, then follow up with a call if the topic is sensitive or complex.
- Use phone calls to clarify tone and intent when you sense an email didn’t land as expected.
- Keep calls short and focused for D and C styles; allow more time for connection with I and S styles.
Try this: For your next project, make a note of each teammate’s preferred communication style. Adjust your approach for better results.
Start Using DISC Today
You don’t need a psychology degree to get value from the DISC model. Whether you’re working in Corona or heading to meetings in Riverside, Norco, Anaheim, Lake Elsinore, or Chino Hills, the key is knowing how-and when-to use email or the phone to connect. The right method builds stronger teams, reduces confusion, and gets you closer to your goals.
Ready to take the next step? After reading this, try asking one colleague their preferred way to communicate this week, then use their DISC style to guide your next message or call.