Extended DISC® assessments provide a framework for adapting communication strategies to enhance interpersonal interactions and collaboration.
Extended DISC® assessments help individuals become more aware of their own communication styles and preferences. Understanding how they naturally approach communication can lead to better self-management and more effective interactions with others.
Extended DISC® categorises people into different personality types, each with its own communication preferences. By knowing the DISC style of your colleagues or team members, you can adapt your communication style to better suit theirs. For example, if someone is more detail-oriented (Conscientiousness), providing them with thorough information might be more effective.
Extended DISC® encourages individuals to empathise with others’ communication styles. When you understand that someone’s style is driven by a preference for facts and details, or a need for collaboration and social interaction, you are more likely to appreciate and respect their perspective.
By recognising and respecting different communication styles, Extended DISC® can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts. For instance, someone with a dominant style might prefer direct and assertive communication, while someone with a steady style might appreciate a more diplomatic and harmonious approach.
Extended DISC® assessments are often used in team-building exercises. Teams can be more effective when members understand each other’s strengths and communication preferences. This can lead to better collaboration, improved problem-solving, and increased overall team performance.
Extended DISC® is often used in leadership development programs to help leaders understand their leadership style and how it aligns with their team members. This awareness can guide leaders in adjusting their communication to inspire, motivate, and lead more effectively.
Communication of C Style personality
C styles talk a lot about facts and figures and can be reasonably quiet and reserved. They tend to ask questions versus making statements, as this allows them to gather more data. C’s have a slower pace of speech which can come across as measured and logical in their delivery and communication style. C styles avoid small talk and go straight to the facts. Type C personality styles prefer to use written communication over verbal communication.
C styles usually ask ‘why’ questions like:
When communicating with C Style individuals, slow down and give them time to think and ask all of their questions. When you can, try to provide type C personalities with written information ahead of your discussion.
Communication of D Style personality
D Styles tend to dominate the conversation, so their communication style is often one-directional. D Styles come across as blunt as they communicate efficiently as possible. They express their opinions as facts that need no further discussion. D personality types often challenge and question others. When speaking, they use a lot of vocal variety. They are usually loud and adopt an authoritative tone.
D styles usually ask questions like:
When communicating with dominant individuals, go straight to the point. Avoid small talk. Discuss the bottom line, be brief, refrain from repeating yourself and focus on solutions rather than problems.
Communication of S Style personality
DISC Assessment S personality types tend to speak calmly and warm-heartedly. They have a reserved communication style. They are great instructors but prefer to listen more than they talk. S styles tend to be the ones not speaking in a group situation, as they are more comfortable in one-on-one communication. Steadiness personality types like to create trust and rapport during interactions and are happy talking about topics that they have mastered.
S styles usually ask ‘how’ questions like:
When communicating with S Style individuals, slow down and explain in detail. Demonstrate the advantages to their team and people close to them.
Communication of I Style personality
I type personality styles talk about people and positive subjects. They tend to avoid negative issues and are not always direct in their approach to communication. They are very comfortable sharing how they feel. I styles love to tell stories, often waving their hands in front of you saying ‘you’ll never believe what happened to me today!’ They use a lot of inflection and tonal variation. They pause. They’re dramatic in their speech patterns.
I styles usually ask ‘who’ questions like:
When communicating with I Style individuals, approach them informally. Focus on feelings and emotions, be positive, move quickly, but spend time chatting.