The following is a recap of a enlightening webinar we hosted with Dan Kaplan, founder of the Confident Communicator. It’s packed with practical insights and strategies to help you become a more effective communicator in any situation. You’ll find the link to the recorded session below.
Ever feel like you’re saying the right thing to your team—but somehow, it still gets misunderstood?
Maybe you’re giving clear direction (at least it sounds clear to you), but your employees seem confused or slow to act. Or maybe someone on your team takes feedback the wrong way, even when you’re just trying to be helpful.
If you’ve ever thought, “Why is this so hard? I’m just trying to run a business.”, you’re not alone.
Here’s the thing: most small and midsize business owners didn’t go to school for management or communication. You learned by doing. And while that hands-on experience is invaluable, it doesn’t always prepare you for the people stuff, like how to keep your team aligned, motivated, and actually hearing what you’re trying to say.
That’s why we brought in communications coach Dan Kaplan, creator of the Confident Communicator, for a webinar on the DISC model—a simple, practical way to understand different communication styles and how to work with them. The goal wasn’t to turn anyone into a therapist or corporate trainer. It was to give business owners like you a tool to reduce miscommunication, build trust faster, and run a smoother, more productive team.
The Four Styles (and Why They Matter)
According to the DISC model, people tend to lean toward one of four communication styles. Each has its strengths, blind spots, and ways it prefers to interact:
- D – Direct: These folks want the bottom line. They move fast, make decisions quickly, and get frustrated with too much small talk or detail.
- I – Influencer: Social, talkative, and full of ideas. They thrive on energy and recognition but can sometimes get distracted or skip steps.
- S – Steady: Reliable and team-oriented. They don’t like surprises and prefer to take their time making thoughtful decisions.
- C – Conscientious: Detail-oriented and cautious. They want all the facts before jumping in and often need time to process before responding.
Most people are a mix, but we usually have one “home base” where we feel most comfortable. The key is learning to spot these styles in others—and adjust how you communicate to meet them where they are.
Real Talk: Why Communication Breaks Down
Let’s say you’re a fast-moving D-style owner talking to a C-style employee who likes structure and clarity. You ask them to “just throw something together” by the end of the day. They freeze—not because they’re lazy or unwilling, but because they haven’t had time to fully understand what you want. You walk away thinking, What’s the holdup? They walk away thinking, I have no idea what I’m supposed to do.
Same message. Different styles. Missed connection.
Or maybe you’re giving constructive feedback to a Steady (S-style) team member. You think you’re being efficient, but they leave the conversation feeling unappreciated or anxious. All because their style values tone, reassurance, and a softer touch.
How to Adjust Your Approach (Without Feeling Fake)
It’s not about being fake, it’s about being flexible. A little shift in your delivery can make a big difference. Try these small shifts:
- Talking to a D (Direct)? Be brief, confident, and to the point. Don’t over-explain, just get to the result.
- Talking to an I (Influencer)? Be upbeat and open to their ideas. A little recognition goes a long way.
- Talking to an S (Steady)? Slow it down. Show empathy. Give them time to think and respond.
- Talking to a C (Conscientious)? Bring the details. Be clear, organized, and prepared.
If you’ve ever wondered why certain people “just don’t get it,” this might be why. And once you know their style, it becomes a whole lot easier to work with them and not against them.
So What Does This Mean for You as a Business Owner?
You don’t have to memorize every quirk or get everyone to take a personality test. Just start noticing how people respond and adjust your delivery. A little more awareness around communication styles can go a long way in building trust, getting clarity, and keeping your team moving in the same direction. Plus, the more your team feels heard and understood, the more likely they are to stick around, stay engaged, and do their best work.
No overthinking required. Just a smarter way to talk to your people.
Want More? Connect with Us!
This is just a glimpse of what’s possible when you align communication with real human behavior. If these insights resonated with you, we highly recommend exploring more from Dan Kaplan at Confident Communicator. And if you’re looking for smarter, more human-centered ways to run your team, we’re here to help. At Commonwealth Payroll & HR, we combine smart tech with real people who know your name. No call centers. Just the support you need, from a team who’s in it with you.
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