The #1 Skill Great Leaders Master: Clear and Consistent Communication

?? Let’s be real. You can have the most talented team on the planet, but if your communication is unclear or inconsistent, your team’s collaboration will feel like a mess—everyone pulling in different directions with no real progress.

?? Want to create a high-performing team? You need to master the art of clear and consistent communication. And the best way to do that? Tailor your communication to the different styles on your team.

?? Let’s break down exactly how to do this using the DiSC framework—so your team stops feeling like they’re lost in translation.

How to Communicate Clearly with Each DiSC Type

Dominant (D) Types → Be Direct & Results-Driven

D-types are all about efficiency, clarity, and the bottom line. They don’t want fluff. They want the point.

? How to Communicate with a D-Type: ?? Get to the point—immediately. No long intros. No unnecessary details. ?? Be clear about expectations and deadlines. They need who, what, when, and why. ?? Keep it short, action-driven, and outcome-focused.

? Say this: ?? "We need to hit X target by Friday. Here’s the plan." ?? "I need your decision by tomorrow so we can move forward."

? Don’t: ? Over-explain or sugarcoat. They’ll lose patience. ? Expect them to read between the lines—just say it.

?? Pro Tip: If they need more info, they’ll ask. Respect their time, and they’ll respect you.

Influencer (I) Types → Keep It Engaging & Collaborative

I-types thrive on energy, enthusiasm, and connection. If you’re boring, you’ve already lost them.

? How to Communicate with an I-Type: ?? Make it exciting—sell the vision, not just the process. ?? Talk big picture. Focus on impact, people, and positive change. ?? Keep it conversational and engaging. Ask for their input.

? Say this: ?? "Imagine how much momentum we’ll create with this strategy!" ?? "How do you see this working best? I’d love your take!"

? Don’t: ? Dump a spreadsheet of numbers on them and expect engagement. ? Deliver a dry, robotic message.

?? Pro Tip: If you want buy-in from an I-type, make them feel like part of the solution.

Steady (S) Types → Be Reassuring & Clear

S-types value stability, trust, and teamwork. They need to feel safe and supported before they commit to anything.

? How to Communicate with an S-Type: ?? Set clear expectations without pressure. ?? Use “we” language—make it a collaborative conversation. ?? Follow up with consistent check-ins to reassure them.

? Say this: ?? "We’re working toward X. Here’s how we’ll get there together." ?? "Let’s take this one step at a time and make sure you feel confident moving forward."

? Don’t: ? Rush them into decisions—they need processing time. ? Drop a major change on them without warning.

?? Pro Tip: They don’t like last-minute surprises. Keep them in the loop, and they’ll stay engaged.

Conscientious (C) Types → Be Precise & Well-Prepared

C-types are detail-oriented, logical, and analytical. They want the facts, the structure, and a clear, well-reasoned approach.

? How to Communicate with a C-Type: ?? Stick to facts and data. No vague statements, no exaggerations. ?? Provide clear reasoning for every decision. ?? Use structured documentation so they can review details.

? Say this: ?? "Based on the data, this solution increases efficiency by 20%. Here’s the report." ?? "I’ve outlined three potential solutions—here’s the breakdown of each."

? Don’t: ? Wing it. If you’re unprepared, they’ll see right through you. ? Use emotional language like "I just feel like this will work." They need proof.

?? Pro Tip: C-types love documentation. Follow up with written summaries so they have something tangible to review.

?? Your Leadership Challenge:

?? Think about your team. Who are your D, I, S, and C types? ?? Which of these communication strategies do you need to implement today?

?? Clear and consistent communication = a stronger, more effective team. When you communicate in a way that makes sense to your audience, you eliminate confusion, increase collaboration, and create momentum.

?? Share and forward this with your team!

?? Need training on this topic? Send me a DM . . . let's talk.

#communicationtips #executivecoaching #learninganddevelopment

?? I’m Heather Lisle, and I help professionals identify and leverage communication styles to close bigger deals, win new business, and strengthen team dynamics.

Whether you want to lead with clarity, build high-performing teams, or drive results that actually matter—I'm here to make it happen.

?? Ready to level up your game? Visit?heatherlisle.com?(or click?HERE?for my 2025 Training Library) to check out my trainings and keynotes.