How DISC Helps You Decide: Should You Email or Call?
If you work in Norco or commute from nearby spots like Corona, Riverside, Chino Hills, Anaheim, or Ontario, you know how much communication styles can affect your day. Whether you’re leading a team, working with clients, or collaborating with partners, choosing between an email or a phone call can make or break your message. The DISC model makes this choice easier by helping you match your communication to different personalities.
DISC in Action: Get to the Point with the Right Method
The DISC model breaks down personalities into four main types: D (Dominance), I (Influence), S (Steadiness), and C (Conscientiousness). Each has a clear preference for how they like to communicate. If you want your message to hit home, you need to consider both what you say and how you say it. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
- D types: Like it direct and efficient. Short phone calls or bullet-point emails work best.
- I types: Enjoy personal connections. A friendly phone call or a lively, informal email goes a long way.
- S types: Prefer calm and plenty of notice. Emails with details and clear plans are their go-to.
- C types: Want precision and facts. Detailed emails are better; calls work if you’re ready with specifics.
Takeaway: Before you hit send or pick up the phone, ask yourself which DISC type you’re dealing with. Then, tailor your approach for more effective results.
When Email Works Best with DISC Styles
Sometimes, you just don’t have time for a call-especially with SoCal traffic between Norco and Anaheim or Ontario. Email is perfect when you need to:
- Share detailed information or instructions (great for C and S types)
- Give updates that don’t require immediate feedback
- Document important steps for projects or compliance
- Communicate across time zones or flexible schedules
For example, if you’re coordinating a joint project with a partner in Riverside, send a clear, organized email to set expectations. If your recipient is more analytical, add charts or bullet points to make your case. If you know your teammate in Chino Hills values routine, give them plenty of notice before deadlines.
Tip: Use subject lines that match the person’s DISC style. A D type will appreciate “Quick Decision Needed,” while an S type will feel better with “Project Plan and Next Steps.”
When It’s Time to Pick Up the Phone
Face-to-face can be tough with busy schedules and long stretches on the 91 or 60 freeway. But a quick call can save you hours of back-and-forth emails, especially when:
- You need to resolve misunderstandings fast (helpful for D and I types)
- The topic is sensitive or emotional (important for I and S types)
- You want to brainstorm or collaborate in real time
- Building or maintaining trust is key
Maybe you’re working with a client in Corona and sense tension in their emails-pick up the phone for a quick chat to clear the air. Or, if you’re welcoming a new team member from Anaheim, a friendly call helps you build rapport that just doesn’t come across in writing.
Next Step: Before you default to email, ask yourself if a five-minute call could solve the problem faster. Keep it short and focused, especially for action-oriented personalities.
Blending Methods for Better Communication
Some projects need both an email and a call. For instance, after a planning session by phone with a partner in Ontario, follow up with a recap email so everyone’s on the same page. Or, if you’re launching a new campaign with a team based in Riverside, start with an energizing call, then send a summary with key action items.
- Use calls to connect, motivate, and clarify
- Use emails to document, share resources, and outline steps
- Adjust your mix based on each person’s DISC profile
Takeaway: Combining both methods, anchored in DISC insights, keeps things running smoothly and everyone feeling heard-no matter the commute or the chaos.
Put DISC to Work Today
Next time you’re deciding how to reach out-whether it’s across the office or across the 91-think about the person’s DISC style. Try matching your method to their preference and watch your communication improve. If you’re not sure about your own style or your team’s, consider taking a DISC assessment. It’s a practical way to boost your leadership, teamwork, and conflict resolution skills, no matter where you’re based in the Inland Empire or Orange County.
Remember: The right message, delivered the right way, makes all the difference. Try tailoring your next email or call using DISC, and see the results for yourself.