How DISC Can Help You Spot Remote Work Signals in Your Team
If you’re working remotely in Manhattan-or you’re bouncing between team members in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, New Rochelle, or Yonkers-you know that online meetings and digital messages aren’t always as clear as a face-to-face chat over coffee. Sometimes, what looks like a missed deadline or a short email is really about someone’s communication style, not their commitment or attitude. That’s where DISC comes in. Once you’re familiar with the DISC model, you’ll start spotting signals in your remote team that can help you respond quickly and keep everyone working well together.
DISC Basics You Can Use Right Now
DISC is a simple but powerful personality assessment that helps you understand why people act the way they do-especially when they’re working remotely. The four main styles are:
- D (Dominance): Direct, fast-paced, likes quick answers.
- I (Influence): Outgoing, social, brings energy to calls.
- S (Steadiness): Calm, patient, prefers clear directions and a steady routine.
- C (Conscientiousness): Detail-focused, likes order, asks thoughtful questions.
When you know your team’s DISC styles, you can spot clues in how people act-even over email or video calls. This helps you avoid misunderstandings and build stronger partnerships, even if you’re working from a home office in Manhattan or a co-working space in Queens.
Tip: Take a DISC assessment yourself and encourage your team to do the same. You’ll notice signals faster when you know your own style first.
Remote Work Signals to Watch For
You don’t need to be in the same room to notice DISC signals. Here’s what to look for in your remote team:
- Short, to-the-point messages: This often means a D style is at work. They want action and quick decisions-don’t take it personally if emails feel brief.
- Lots of emojis or chatty side comments: That’s usually an I style. They’re keeping the mood light and want connection, even in a virtual setting.
- Consistent routines, steady check-ins: S styles shine here. They help the team stay organized and are the ones asking, “What’s our plan for this week?”
- Detailed questions, careful documentation: C styles love clarity. They might double-check steps or flag small errors that others miss.
If you notice someone stepping back, being unusually quiet, or acting differently online, think about their DISC style. A chatty I might be struggling with too many solo tasks. A detail-oriented C could feel left out if there’s not enough structure.
Takeaway: Look for these small signals so you can step in early and support your colleagues in the way they need most.
Real-World Examples for Your Team
In your daily work-whether you’re leading a project from Manhattan or collaborating with a colleague in Brooklyn-these DISC signals show up all the time. Here’s how you can use them:
- On video calls: Notice who jumps in right away (D), who shares stories (I), who waits for their turn (S), and who asks about the agenda (C).
- In team chats: Some keep things moving with fast decisions, while others make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
- During deadlines: D’s push for results, S’s check in to see how everyone’s holding up, C’s double-check the details, and I’s celebrate small wins.
You’ll start to see these patterns whether your meetings stretch from Manhattan to New Rochelle or if you’re jumping on Slack with folks in the Bronx or Yonkers.
Tip: Try reflecting on your last team call. What DISC signals did you spot? How could you adjust your approach next time?
Practical Ways to Improve Remote Teamwork
Once you start noticing DISC signals, you can make simple changes that help everyone feel understood and motivated:
- Tailor your feedback-be direct with D’s, encouraging with I’s, steady with S’s, and precise with C’s.
- Mix up your communication-use video for big ideas, written summaries for detail, and group chats for quick check-ins.
- Give space for everyone-don’t let the fastest talker dominate. Invite input from quieter voices.
- Celebrate wins in ways that match personalities-a group shout-out for I’s, a private note for S’s or C’s, a public recognition for D’s.
Whether you’re commuting in from the Bronx or logging on from a cozy spot in Queens, these small shifts can turn remote work into real teamwork.
Next step: Pick one DISC signal to watch for this week and tweak your approach with that person. See what happens!
DISC Helps You Read Between the Lines
Remote work across Manhattan and nearby areas doesn’t have to mean missed connections or silent misunderstandings. When you know DISC, you’ll start to read between the lines-whether it’s a short text, a long email, or someone’s quiet presence on a call. You’ll help your team feel seen, heard, and valued, no matter where they’re signing in from. That’s how you build stronger relationships and get better results, every day.