MARCH 7 • TRUE LEADERSHIP • Episode 67
Personality Communication Styles 
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6
Personality determines how you communicate. Unless you work tirelessly at not doing these things, or you are seriously controlled by the Holy Spirit, you will tend toward, if not totally act, according to your personality. Understand the different styles and you won’t misunderstand people and you will speak their language to communicate clearly — clarity is paramount to avoid errors!
Dominants (D) are outgoing and task oriented, direct, succinct, unequivocal, goal oriented, impulsive, antagonistic, they speak before thinking, speak over, cut off, dominate the conversation, assertive, lack detail, laconic, outspoken, terse, blunt, curt, candid, generate conflict, big picture oriented, focus is on telling, not listening, “My way or the highway!” attitude. Their emphasis is on getting the point out as fast as possible so decisions can be made. They take big risks. If you’re a D, make sure you have Cautious (C) people around you so they can do the homework and present the facts that you don’t want to hear. To get the best response, speak clearly, briefly, strongly, and respectfully.
Inspiring (I) types are outgoing and people oriented, enthusiastic, exciting, engaging, motivating, full of energy, optimistic, social, relational, feeling oriented, lack of focus, lack detail, focus is on selling, not telling, “This is the way it should be!” attitude. For the greatest success, I’s should also have C’s around to bring the facts and receipts. Be excited with the I and help them be realistic. Don’t squash them, sell them.
Supportive (S) types are reserved and people oriented, they are steady, kind, gentle, thoughtful, caring, very empathetic, reliable, dependable, team player, they seek peace and harmony, but don’t like change or conflict. Speak to them in softer, gentler tones. They’re attitude is “Let’s all work together!” Give direction. Smile often. They want clarity to accomplish the task and the team to get along. Help them embrace change or at least realize they will struggle with change and help them through it!
Cautious (C) are reserved and task oriented, compliance wanting, correct, rigid, factual, specific, attention to detail, diligent, literal, proper, they want good answers, they like value, follow methodologies and procedures, organization. They are right 98% of the time. Trust them. Speak to them honestly and use facts and truth. Help them not over analyze. Their attitude is, “These are the facts…” Respect them highly.
These are only a few tips on how to communicate effectively with anyone. If you ignore these truths, you risk failing to communicate — or worse — partially communicate — and therefore causing havoc now and later. Effeciency goes up substantially when you don’t have to stop, recommunicate, and start again. It always seems like there’s never time to do things right, but always time to do things over. Get it right the first time and every time! BTW, there is a very high chance that your spouse is the opposite of your personality. Start paying attention to communicating with that in mind. You’ll be amazed at the new understanding.
Pray: Lord, help me communicate according to each person’s need instead of just speaking my thoughts… teach me to listen… deeply…
That’s it! Much love and blessings. See you tomorrow.
Click here to get the Free E-Booklet on DISC (WeAreCaris.com/personality-ebooklet/)
Click here to get Personality Posters
Go to the List of Blogs here…
© 2012 – 2025 The Caris Group and ReadNLead Publishing. You may link to, quote from, and refer to, but please do not publish without written permission. email TrueLeadership@WeAreCaris.com. See here for how to reference. Thank you!