Communication Hacks

Building Awareness of Our Communication Style

• People come in all communication styles. No style is right or wrong. It’s not about what style you are, but what you do with your style to better communicate with others.

• D’s and C’s focus on tasks, while I’s and S’s focus on people. 

• D’s and C’s communicate more directly, while I’s and S’s may be indirect.

• C’s and S’s are more introverted (they typically won’t be the first to talk), while D’s and I’s are more extroverted (and they’ll be the more vocal ones in the room).

• D’s and I’s are innovators and big-picture thinkers, while C’s and S’s get things done.

• ACTION: Take a free online DISC assessment to get more details on your style.

Understanding & Appreciating Other Communication Styles

• D’s like to make the final decision. Give them choices. Stick to business. Use bullet points. Let them know if they need to take action or not.

• I’s like to socialize. Buffer in time, tell stories, and stay away from facts and figures. Get them involved and ask for their opinions. Ask them about their personal life.

• S’s like harmony. Be kind and sincere. Show that you care. Give them time—don’t rush them.

• C’s like data. Know your facts. Be ready to answer a lot of questions. Provide as many details as possible.

• ACTION: Consider why you may collaborate (or have conflict) with some people more than others. What do you plan to do differently moving forward when communicating with others?

Overcoming the Fear of Speaking Up

• When voicing a dissenting opinion, refer to the guide to show general doubt, partial disagreement, or full disagreement.

• Shift Your Mindset #1: “My half-baked idea or dissent could be the first step in a team breakthrough.”

• Shift your Mindset #2: “I want to sound intelligent” to “This is really about the collective intelligence of my team so we can all succeed.” (Source)

• Silence equals consent. If it’s not expressed, it can’t be addressed!

• ACTION: Shift your mindset. Check out this article on how to voice your opinion in meetings.

Being Curious, Not Judgmental (Empathy)

• Focus your conversation on behaviors, not judgments. Using words of judgment and opinions may cause people to become defensive and not want to hear you out.

• People are more willing to listen to you after they feel understood and seen by you.

• ACTION: The next time you have a conflict with another person, ask the person, “What is important to you? How do you feel about this situation?” Help them feel understood and heard before sharing your thoughts.

Creating Equitable Meetings

• Set an agenda before every meeting to give everyone the same amount of time to prepare for the meeting. Some people take longer to prepare and process information.

• Camera on/Camera off - find a way to determine who has already contributed and who hasn’t contributed to the meeting.

• “Call-in” people who haven’t spoken. Say their names and ask for their thoughts and opinions. (S’s and C’s generally won’t share their opinion unless specifically asked to).