Effective communication is one of the most critical skills a leader can possess. According to the Harvard Business Review, poor communication can result in a staggering 29% decrease in project success—a sobering statistic that emphasizes how much is at stake.

The good news? This 29% represents an opportunity to make an immediate impact. Strong communication skills, paired with assertiveness, can bridge this gap, boosting your influence and effectiveness.

At Russo Leadership, we believe that the best communicators are those who adapt their approach to their audience—a principle deeply rooted in Everything DiSC. By understanding and tailoring your communication style to fit the needs of your listener, you can unlock not only your career potential but also your team’s success. Let’s dive into how Everything DiSC can help you communicate and lead more effectively.

Communication and Assertiveness: A DiSC Perspective

Everything DiSC reveals that communication isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each of the four DiSC styles—Dominance (D), Influence (i), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C)—approaches communication differently. The most effective communicators recognize and adapt to these styles, ensuring their message resonates with the listener.

Assertiveness complements communication by helping you express your thoughts and needs confidently while respecting others. When paired with the adaptability insights from DiSC, assertiveness becomes a powerful tool for fostering trust, collaboration, and productivity.

The Power of Adaptability in Communication

Using the DiSC framework, you can tailor your approach to ensure your communication aligns with your listener’s needs:

• D Style: Be direct, concise, and results-focused. Avoid overexplaining and get straight to the point.

• i Style: Emphasize enthusiasm and connection. Use storytelling and energetic dialogue to engage them.

• S Style: Take a calm, collaborative approach. Provide reassurance and avoid rushing through the conversation.

• C Style: Be precise and detail-oriented. Present clear facts and logic, leaving room for thoughtful questions.

By adapting to these styles, you increase the likelihood of your message being understood and valued, creating a solid foundation for trust and collaboration.

8 Action Steps to Improve Communication and Assertiveness

1. Practice Active Listening

Engage fully in conversations by asking clarifying questions and summarizing key points. Active listening demonstrates respect and helps you better understand the unique preferences of different DiSC styles.

2. Communicate with Clarity and Concision

Use simple, jargon-free language and tailor your delivery to your listener’s preferred style. A Dominance-style audience values brevity, while a Conscientiousness-style listener will appreciate detailed explanations.

3. Master Nonverbal Communication

Body language plays a significant role in communication. Maintain eye contact with D and i styles, while ensuring a calm and composed posture for S and C styles.

4. Strike the Balance Between Assertive and Respectful

Assertiveness is key to ensuring your ideas are heard, but it must align with the listener’s style. For example:

• With a Dominance-style listener, be confident and assertive but avoid appearing confrontational.

• With a Steadiness-style audience, express your needs gently while fostering collaboration.

5. Persuade with Precision

Use DiSC insights to build compelling arguments that resonate with your audience. For instance, i styles respond well to emotional appeals, while C styles are persuaded by logic and evidence.

6. Resolve Conflict Proactively

Conflicts are inevitable, but your approach can vary based on the DiSC styles involved. With D styles, focus on actionable solutions; with S styles, prioritize harmony and understanding.

7. Build Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Developing EQ allows you to better understand the emotions of others, a crucial skill for navigating the preferences of each DiSC style. Empathy helps bridge gaps and create meaningful connections.

8. Seek Feedback and Evolve

Regularly ask your team and colleagues how you can improve your communication. Feedback, when framed within the context of DiSC insights, allows you to refine your adaptability and assertiveness.

Conclusion: Adapting Communication for Extraordinary Results

The best communicators are those who adapt. By using Everything DiSC to tailor your approach to the needs of your audience, you elevate not only your communication skills but also your effectiveness as a leader. Pairing this adaptability with assertiveness ensures your voice is heard while respecting the perspectives of others.

At Russo Leadership, we specialize in helping leaders master the art of adaptive communication. Start by embracing the principles of DiSC, practice the strategies outlined above, and watch your influence and impact grow.

Remember, communication isn’t about talking louder; it’s about listening better, tailoring your approach, and ensuring your message resonates with every individual you lead.

Your next breakthrough could be as simple as a conversation—make it count.