How DISC Can Help You Read Remote Work Signals
If you’re working remotely-whether you’re on Staten Island or connecting with colleagues from Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, or Yonkers-understanding the DISC personality model makes a real difference. DISC gives you a practical way to notice and respond to subtle signals in emails, video calls, and team chats. You’ll spot what’s working, what’s not, and how to adapt your style for smoother teamwork.
Spotting DISC Clues in Remote Communication
Remote work means you don’t get the same in-person cues as you do sitting in a conference room or swinging by someone’s desk. The DISC model helps you tune into the signals people really send-often without realizing it. Here’s how you can tell which DISC style you’re dealing with, and how to use that knowledge right away:
- Emails: Short, direct messages often come from “D” (Dominance) types, while longer, detail-heavy notes might signal a “C” (Conscientiousness) colleague.
- Video calls: “I” (Influence) personalities will often be chatty and expressive, while “S” (Steadiness) types may listen carefully and avoid interrupting.
- Team chats: Look for those who keep conversations on task (likely a “D”) versus those who ask how everyone’s weekend went (likely an “I” or “S”).
Tip: Before your next team meeting, review recent messages. Try to spot one clue for each DISC style and consider how you’ll tailor your approach.
Practical Ways to Use DISC in Virtual Meetings
Virtual meetings can feel rushed or disconnected, but with some DISC know-how, you’ll find it easier to keep people engaged. Use these DISC signals to guide your meetings:
- “D” types: Value results and quick decisions. Keep agendas clear and allow room for direct input.
- “I” types: Appreciate energy and recognition. Start with a quick check-in or shoutout to set a positive tone.
- “S” types: Prefer steady routines. Share the meeting plan in advance and invite input from everyone.
- “C” types: Want facts and structure. Provide supporting documents and be ready to answer questions.
Next step: Pick one DISC signal to focus on during your next call. Afterward, reflect on whether it led to smoother conversation or decisions.
Building Trust with DISC Insights
Remote work sometimes makes it tough to build relationships, especially when everyone’s spread out from Staten Island to neighboring boroughs and cities. DISC helps you bridge that gap by showing you how to connect with what matters to each person:
- Recognize when someone needs privacy or time to think, rather than instant answers.
- Notice when a teammate seems left out of the conversation and invite them in.
- Understand that not everyone is comfortable with video-some prefer written updates or one-on-one calls.
Actionable idea: Send a quick message after a meeting to thank someone for their input-tailor your thanks to what you know about their DISC style.
Making Teamwork Easier, Even from a Distance
Whether you’re juggling projects with folks from Brooklyn or brainstorming with a team in Manhattan, knowing DISC styles helps you set up better workflows:
- Assign tasks that match each person’s strengths-detail work to a “C,” group brainstorming to an “I.”
- Clarify deadlines for the “D” types, but offer support and time to adjust for “S” types.
- Rotate who leads meetings or handles follow-ups so everyone’s style is valued.
Takeaway: Try matching one team member’s DISC style to a new responsibility this week. See if it improves how the task gets done.
Traveling or Collaborating Beyond Your Usual Spot?
Remote work can mean collaborating with people all over the region. If your team happens to travel for in-person sessions-maybe taking the ferry to Manhattan, hopping the subway to Brooklyn, or driving up to Yonkers-you’ll notice that DISC signals stay consistent, no matter where you’re working. The real key is adjusting your approach based on what you notice, not where you are.
Practical tip: Before your next project with teammates in a neighboring area, review what you know about their DISC styles and plan one way to adapt your communication.
Ready to See DISC in Action?
Understanding DISC isn’t just theory-it’s a toolkit you use every day, whether you’re on a video call from Staten Island or working with colleagues across the city. Start by spotting a few signals in how people communicate, then try one new approach. You’ll see the difference in how your team connects and gets results-wherever you’re working from.