Team communication – What are the secrets to success?

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:

DISC personality types
Team communication based on behavioral style
Communication and teamwork

DISC personality types

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.

Team communication based on behavioral style

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 in a team with the dominant type

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 in a team with the influential type

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 in a team with the steady type

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 in a team with the conscientious type

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!

Communication and teamwork

When we become aware of people’s behavioral and communication styles, we can also identify which activities energize or drain them.

Dominant type

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

Influential type

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

Steady type

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

Conscientious type

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.