How DISC Can Help You Choose Between Email and Phone
If you work in or around Lehi, you know how fast business moves-from tech startups to established firms. Whether you’re collaborating across town in American Fork or making decisions with a team member who commutes in from Draper, clear communication is the backbone of your success. But when should you send an email, and when is it better to pick up the phone? The DISC model helps you figure that out, so you can connect in a way that works for everyone involved.
DISC Basics: Why Communication Styles Matter
DISC is a simple, practical tool that explains how people prefer to communicate and work. It breaks down into four main styles: D (Dominance), I (Influence), S (Steadiness), and C (Conscientiousness). Understanding these styles helps you know not only how you come across, but also what your teammates and clients need from you-whether you’re meeting in person or chatting from your home office in Saratoga Springs.
- D (Dominance): Direct, decisive, and action-oriented.
- I (Influence): Social, enthusiastic, and talkative.
- S (Steadiness): Patient, reliable, and supportive.
- C (Conscientiousness): Analytical, detail-focused, and precise.
Takeaway: Knowing your DISC style (and your colleagues’) is the first step to more effective communication, whether you work in an office in Highland or from home in Orem.
When DISC Recommends Email
Email is fast, convenient, and keeps a clear record. But it’s not always the best fit for every DISC style or situation. Here’s when the DISC model points you toward hitting “send” instead of dialing in:
- For C and S styles: They appreciate well-organized, detailed messages that they can review on their own time. If you’re reaching out to someone who values accuracy and time to process, email is a great choice.
- When sharing data or next steps: Sending project updates, spreadsheets, or instructions is often easier and clearer in writing.
- For non-urgent topics: If it isn’t time-sensitive, email lets people respond thoughtfully, which goes a long way with those who don’t like to be put on the spot.
Tip: If your recipient works in a quieter environment-maybe they commute from Pleasant Grove and check emails at a set time-email respects their workflow and time boundaries.
When DISC Says Pick Up the Phone
Some conversations just work better with a personal touch. The DISC model can help you recognize when a call is the way to go:
- For D and I styles: These folks like quick decisions and lively conversation. If you need to brainstorm, resolve a conflict, or motivate your team, a phone call or video chat is more effective.
- When dealing with sensitive topics: Any time you’re discussing feedback, change, or anything that might come across wrong in writing, a call allows for nuance and empathy.
- When you need a fast answer: Sometimes, you just need to get things done-like confirming a detail before catching Trax into Salt Lake City. A call cuts through the back-and-forth.
Next step: Notice who on your team values these quick, direct conversations. If someone usually calls instead of emails, they might appreciate you returning the favor.
How to Read the Room with DISC
Whether you’re working remotely from Eagle Mountain or leading a meeting in Bluffdale, the people you interact with may have very different DISC styles. Take a moment to consider:
- Does this person respond quickly to emails, or do they prefer a quick chat?
- Are they more comfortable with detailed instructions, or do they like to talk things out?
- Have they mentioned feeling overwhelmed by email volume, or do they seem to thrive on face-to-face (or voice-to-voice) connections?
Try this: Ask your team or colleagues how they prefer to communicate and match your approach to their DISC style for smoother, faster results.
Simple Steps to Apply DISC Every Day
- Take a DISC assessment to learn your style and share your results with your team.
- Before sending that next message, ask yourself: “Is this better as an email or a call, based on their style?”
- Mix it up. Don’t rely on just one method-use both email and calls when appropriate for the person and the message.
Takeaway: Using DISC for your communication choices isn’t just theory-it’s practical. It leads to fewer misunderstandings, stronger teamwork, and better results whether you’re collaborating in Lehi or traveling to meetings in nearby cities.
Bring DISC to Your Next Interaction
Try putting these tips to use in your next workday. If you’re about to send a long email, stop and think: “Would this be clearer in a quick call?” Or, if you’re dialing in for a weekly update with someone who likes to process information, consider sending a follow-up email with the key points. With DISC, you have the tools to build stronger connections-one message, call, or meeting at a time.