Write Emails People Actually Read Using DISC
Ever send an email at work and wonder if anyone will read past the first line? If you drive down El Camino Real or hop on Caltrain, you know everyone in the Bay Area-from San Mateo to Burlingame, Millbrae, Belmont, Foster City, and Hillsborough-moves fast and expects messages that get to the point. With the DISC model, you can tailor your emails so colleagues pay attention and respond quickly. Here’s how to put DISC to work for you in everyday communication.
What Is DISC and Why Should You Use It in Email?
DISC is a simple way to understand the main communication styles people use:
- D (Dominance): Direct and results-focused
- I (Influence): Friendly and enthusiastic
- S (Steadiness): Supportive and dependable
- C (Conscientiousness): Detail-oriented and precise
If you can spot these styles, you can craft messages that hit home with each person on your team-saving time, reducing confusion, and improving teamwork. Next time you’re stuck in traffic on Highway 101, think about how different personalities might read your last email.
Takeaway: Know who you’re emailing and adjust your tone and details. One-size-fits-all messages often go unread.
How to Recognize DISC Styles in Your Inbox
You don’t need a personality assessment for every coworker. Just pay attention to how people write and respond:
- D types send quick, to-the-point emails-usually with clear action steps.
- I types use friendly greetings, emojis, or lots of exclamation marks.
- S types ask how you’re doing and check in on the team before talking business.
- C types provide lots of details, references, or bullet points.
For example, if a teammate in Foster City starts every email with “Hope you had a good weekend,” you might be dealing with an S style. If your manager in Belmont answers with “See attached for data, please review by Friday,” you’re likely seeing a C or D style in action.
Tip: Mirror the tone and structure your recipient likes. It makes your messages easier to digest and shows respect for their style.
How to Write for Each DISC Style
Use these strategies to make your emails stand out, no matter who you’re writing to:
- For D Styles:
- Keep it short and direct.
- State the main point up front.
- Use bullet points for action items.
- For I Styles:
- Start with a warm greeting.
- Use positive language and appreciation.
- Add a touch of enthusiasm if appropriate.
- For S Styles:
- Begin with a personal touch.
- Show care for their workload or well-being.
- Explain changes and allow time for questions.
- For C Styles:
- Be thorough and logical.
- Provide details, data, and clear instructions.
- Avoid over-the-top language; focus on facts.
Next step: Before you hit send, reread your email and ask if it matches the recipient’s style. If not, tweak your message so it lands better.
Real-World Example: A Team Email About a Project Update
You’re working on a cross-city project. Here’s how you might write to each style:
- D: “Project on track. Need feedback by Wednesday. Next meeting: Thursday at 9 AM.”
- I: “Hi team! Great progress so far! Would love your thoughts-let’s make this awesome. Next meeting Thursday morning.”
- S: “Hope everyone’s doing well. Thank you for your steady work on this project. Please share any concerns. Meeting Thursday at 9 AM.”
- C: “Attached: Updated project report, timeline, and task list. Please review and send detailed comments before our Thursday 9 AM meeting.”
Whether you’re coordinating with someone in Millbrae or checking in with a partner in Burlingame, this approach helps your message land with less confusion and more action.
Try this: Save four email templates-one for each style. Use them as a base for your next team update.
Bringing It All Together
Writing emails that people actually read isn’t about fancy language-it’s about understanding what your coworkers need. DISC gives you the tools to do just that. Whether you’re commuting from Belmont or grabbing coffee near Hillsborough, you can use these strategies to communicate clearly and get better, quicker responses.
- Pay attention to how people write and reply.
- Adjust your emails to fit their preferred style.
- Focus on clarity, respect, and next steps.
Action step: Pick a colleague today and rewrite your next email using their DISC style. Notice how the response changes. Over time, you’ll find your emails get read-and acted on-much more often.