Speaking Their Language: How Personality Impacts Workplace Communication
Jake prided himself on being a clear and confident communicator. As a project manager in a fast-paced marketing firm, he believed that being direct saved time and kept the team on track.
🔹 He sent short, to-the-point emails with no fluff.
🔹 He preferred quick, efficient meetings with no unnecessary discussions.
🔹 He didn’t sugarcoat feedback—if something wasn’t working, he said so.
In his mind, he was ensuring productivity and efficiency.
But the reality?
💬 “Jake’s emails feel cold and demanding.”
💬 “I never know if he’s upset or just in a rush.”
💬 “I don’t feel comfortable asking him questions.”
Frustration started building. Deadlines were missed. Projects stalled because team members weren’t on the same page.
One day, his boss sat him down.
“Jake, your communication style is causing breakdowns. Not everyone thinks or processes information the way you do.“
That was the wake-up call.
Jake wasn’t just sending messages—he was creating confusion.
Wake-Up Call: Learning to Speak the Team’s Language
Determined to improve, Jake signed up for a leadership training program that introduced him to the DISC Personality Assessment.
The results?
🔹 Jake was a “High D” (Dominant)—task-focused, blunt, and fast-moving.
🔹 His team had a mix of personality types—some were “High I” (Influencers), who thrived on enthusiasm, some were “High S” (Steady), who valued patience and support, and some were “High C” (Conscientious), who needed detailed explanations.
🔹 His direct style was overwhelming for some and confusing for others.
He realized that effective communication wasn’t about how HE liked to speak—it was about how OTHERS needed to hear it.
The Turning Point: Adjusting His Communication Style
Jake made three key changes based on DISC insights:
✅ For “High I” personalities (Influencers) – He added energy and positivity to his communication, recognizing that enthusiasm motivated them.
✅ For “High S” personalities (Steady) – He slowed down and showed more patience and encouragement, making them feel safe speaking up.
✅ For “High C” personalities (Conscientious) – He provided more details and structured explanations rather than just quick bullet points.
He started checking in with his team more personally, adjusting his tone depending on who he was speaking to, and even modifying how he worded emails.
At first, it felt unnatural—but the impact was immediate.
The Comeback: A Leader Who Connects, Not Just Communicates
Within weeks, his team’s performance improved.
🌟 Fewer misunderstandings and missed deadlines.
🌟 More engagement in meetings—people spoke up freely.
🌟 A stronger sense of collaboration and trust.
Jake finally understood:
🚀 Communication isn’t just about speaking—it’s about connecting.
By tailoring his approach, he didn’t just send messages—he ensured they were received and understood.
Your Turn: Improve Your Leadership Communication
🌟 Struggling to get through to your team?
🌟 Feeling like your messages aren’t landing?
🌟 Want to improve collaboration and efficiency?
🚀 Master the DISC communication styles and transform your leadership today!
📢 Click here to learn how to adapt your leadership for maximum impact!
Looking forward to helping you step into your full leadership potential.
Best regards,
Checree Bryant
CEO Actuate Consulting
