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Team communication is essential because we are different – predictably different.
To communicate effectively within a team, it’s important to understand our own behavioral style, as it influences our communication, leadership, and even buying preferences.
A globally recognized method for identifying behavioral styles is the DISC test (Dominant, Influential, Steady, and Conscientious).
This model is based on people’s natural tendencies – whether they are introverted or extroverted, task-oriented or people-oriented.
Table of contents:
Each behavioral style has specific traits, such as:
Dominant type: Motivated by control over the future and personal authority. Prefers fast, concrete results. Communicates clearly and concisely.
Influential type: Motivated by innovative, unique, and creative ideas and is excited about the future. Prefers new relationships and experiences. Communicates in an expressive, relaxed, and casual manner.
Steady type: Motivated by peace, safety, and well-being. Prefers security and trust. Communicates in a friendly and authentic way.
Conscientious type: Motivated by logic, data, and problem-solving. Prefers accurate information and high-quality solutions (quality over quantity). Communicates in a business-like, fact-based manner.
An individual’s behavioral style directly influences their communication style. Here’s how communication in a team should be adapted based on DISC personality types:
| Communication method | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Meetings | Keep them short, focused, and only when necessary. |
| Emails | Use a short, concise, business-style format. |
| Feedback | Be direct, action-oriented, and highlight key points. |
| Conflict | Useful for improvement if focused on goals and solutions. |
| Team dynamic | Teams need a clear leader, defined authority, and well-distributed responsibilities. |
| Communication method | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Meetings | Preferably face-to-face and without a rigid agenda. |
| Emails | Friendly, casual, and personal. |
| Feedback | High-level with positive encouragement. |
| Conflict | Can lead to new ideas but may also trigger circular arguments. |
| Team dynamic | Collaboration and shared experiences help build strong relationships and results. |
👉 Read more about essential leadership skills!
| Communication method | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Meetings | Face-to-face when possible, with a clear agenda. |
| Emails | Warm, sincere, and expressive. |
| Feedback | Delivered with empathy and careful explanation. |
| Conflict | Should be handled delicately to avoid emotional harm. |
| Team dynamic | Members should support one another and ensure alignment. |
| Communication method | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Meetings | Scheduled formally, minimal in number, and agenda-based. |
| Emails | Clear, detailed, and factual. |
| Feedback | Specific, logical, and well-structured. |
| Conflict | Effective when used to uncover facts, as long as emotions stay in check. |
| Team dynamic | Allow individuals independence and space to develop their own systems. |
👉 Read more about how to motivate your team!
When we become aware of people’s behavioral and communication styles, we can also identify which activities energize or drain them.
Energizing behaviors
– Taking on ambitious projects with tight deadlines
– Communicating with quick, action-oriented messages
– Taking full ownership and responsibility for major tasks
Draining behaviors
– Answering detailed questions from others
– Building long-term trust through consistent behavior
– Responding to difficult situations with empathy and compassion
Energizing behaviors
– Regular interaction with a wide, diverse group of people
– Offering verbal encouragement and storytelling
– Explaining things in a vivid, emotional, expressive language
Draining behaviors
– Solving problems through deep data analysis
– Spending a lot of time identifying root causes
– Creating rules, procedures, and guidelines for others to follow
Energizing behaviors
– Focusing on others’ needs and concerns
– Playing a supportive role within the team, away from the spotlight
– Responding to challenges with empathy and care
Draining behaviors
– Making decisions for others without group input
– Engaging in fast-paced communication
– Challenging existing procedures or norms
Energizing behaviors
– Solving problems using in-depth data analysis
– Taking time to reflect before offering a solution
– Working independently and then presenting results to the team
Draining behaviors
– Discussing abstract ideas rather than concrete ones
– Spending time trying to understand someone else’s thought process
– Jumping between multiple ideas at once
When we understand that there’s a “map” to speak each teammate’s language — and we begin applying it — we unlock motivation and foster both successful results and strong relationships within the team and the organization.