DiSC: Write an Email so a D-Style Will Read It

When you write an email to a D-style (a la DiSC), be sure to do the following:

1. Make your email direct, straightforward, bottomline.
2. Bullet-points and numbered lists are preferred.
3. Never mind the pleasantries, just express your point.
4. Needless words are that. Don’t use ‘em.
5. Provide the big picture; details can be excluded (unless formerly requested).

 

Here’s an example of what NOT to do when writing an email to your D-style colleagues:

 

Well Hello, Marla!!!!!

I hope you are well and enjoying all of the beautiful summer weather we’ve been having lately! I am so excited to be get out on the boat this week-end and relax with family and friends. Are you doing anything for the holiday week-end? As you know, over the last several months, the team (Josh, Luis, Megan, and DeAndre) and I have been working diligently to create a plan for the latest research project (big kudos to Megan, especially, for taking the time to bring all of the loose ends together in the 11^thhour!). While we ran into a variety of obstacles that almost put us beyond the deadline (e.g., technology glitches with the latest software rollout, DeAndre’s unexpected appendix rupture, etc., etc.), I am proud to say that we made it! The project is complete. You should know, too, that we came in under-budget. Unheard of, right?!? I must say that Luis’ skills in keeping the numbers in check is unparalleled! And, we want you to know that we have some key findings: our department is doing really, really well with regard to engagement and focus, and we need to work on some other areas…but it’ll all come together. We’d love to set up a time to chat about what we learned. What works for you? SO excited to put this one in the “done” column! Have a good week-end!!

 

 

Instead, D-Styles prefer email to look something more like this:

 

Hi Marla,

 

The research project due on Wednesday 5/31 is complete. An executive summary can be found at www.box.projects.research.org. Here are the main findings:

 

1. Engagement is up 19% since September 2017;
2. Focus is a priority for many managers; as such, they are seeing big strides in this area. A qualitative survey of 10 of our top managers shows they are optimistic about continued success (survey results can be found at www.surveyresults.123.org);
3. Areas of opportunity moving forward: outside funding (we are under the mark by about 30% year over year in this category).

 

I am requesting that we meet to discuss things in more detail, as fits your needs. I will compare calendars and send a meeting invite.

 

Thanks,

Jacqui

 

Do you see the difference?

Remember, keep it short and sweet. D’s want the bottomline, big-picture, and bulletpoints. Run each email that you write through that filter and you’ll be communicating much more effectively in no time!

 

Next week: Communicating Effectively Over Email with an i-Style.

 

Please share this email with anyone who you think might benefit from it! And, as always, please contact me with any questions you have about DiSC. I am here to support you.