Using DISC to Improve Remote Communication on Zoom and Slack
If you’re working with colleagues remotely, you know how easy it is for messages to get lost in translation. Whether you’re leading a virtual meeting from Rancho Cucamonga or collaborating with teams in nearby cities like Upland, Ontario, Fontana, Riverside, or Chino, using the DISC model can help you communicate clearly, build trust, and keep things running smoothly-no matter which video call or messaging app you use.
DISC Basics: Why It Matters for Remote Teams
DISC is a personality assessment tool that helps you understand your own behavior and the behavior of others. When you know whether someone prefers direct communication (D), likes to keep things steady (S), values details (C), or brings energy to the group (I), you can tailor your approach for better results.
- D (Dominance): Get to the point quickly.
- I (Influence): Make room for friendly, upbeat connections.
- S (Steadiness): Provide reassurance and consistency.
- C (Conscientiousness): Offer clear instructions and details.
When remote work is the norm, small changes in how you communicate can make a big difference.
Tip: Take a DISC assessment to find your style-and encourage your team to do the same.
Keeping Tone Positive on Zoom and Slack
It’s easy for tone to get lost in digital messages. You might mean to be quick and efficient but come across as short or cold. Or you might try to be friendly and end up sounding too informal. DISC helps you adjust your tone so your message lands the way you intend.
- Start Zoom meetings with a quick check-in to set a positive tone.
- On Slack, use emojis or quick “thanks!” messages to add warmth-especially with those who appreciate a personal touch.
- For those who value efficiency, keep messages focused and avoid extra chit-chat.
Takeaway: Match your tone to the person and the platform. One size doesn’t fit all.
Matching Tempo for Better Teamwork
Some people move fast and want answers now. Others need time to think things through. DISC shows you how to match your tempo to the people you’re working with.
- Schedule breaks in longer Zoom meetings so everyone has time to process.
- On Slack, don’t always expect instant replies-especially from those who like to reflect before responding.
- If you work with someone who’s action-oriented, summarize next steps quickly and clearly.
Next Step: Ask your team about their preferred pace. Then, adapt your style to help everyone keep up.
Building Trust in a Virtual World
Trust is the glue that holds remote teams together. The DISC model helps you build trust by showing respect for different work styles and needs.
- Share your DISC profile with the team to start an open conversation.
- Recognize and call out good work in meetings and team chats.
- Follow up after meetings to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Suggestion: Make time for a virtual coffee chat every month. It’s a simple way to build real connections.
Real-World Example: Bringing DISC to Your Remote Routine
Say you’re based in Rancho Cucamonga and your team is spread out from Ontario to Chino, Riverside, Upland, and Fontana. You’re all logging in from different neighborhoods, each with their own vibe-maybe someone’s working from a cozy home office in Upland, while another is catching up from a café in Riverside.
- Kick off meetings by sharing your DISC results and asking others about their preferred communication style.
- Rotate who leads the meeting, so everyone’s style gets represented.
- Use Slack channels for both business and fun, helping “I” types feel connected and “C” types see clear, organized threads.
Actionable Tip: Try a DISC workshop as a team-building activity-virtually or in person if you’re traveling to one another’s areas.
Make DISC Part of Your Remote Work Toolkit
Whether you’re connecting from Rancho Cucamonga or making the short trip to Ontario or Riverside for a workshop, using the DISC model helps you navigate the challenges of remote work. Adjusting your tone, matching the tempo, and building trust aren’t just “nice to have”-they’re essential for teams who want to communicate well and achieve results, no matter where everyone logs in.
Immediate Next Step: Get started by taking a DISC assessment, sharing the results with your team, and making one small change to how you communicate online this week.