The Thoughtful Presenter and the Inspirer can communicate clearly

You can put both contributions to use.

With a Ci preference, you may test the reasoning behind an idea and explain the finding in words Alex can use. With an I preference, Alex may get a conversation moving, connect ideas and help you feel included. An engaging example can help people understand a finding while also making that finding sound broader than the evidence supports.

You can notice where the conversation gets stuck.

Under pressure, you may give a long explanation while your actual recommendation remains hard to find. Alex may treat an excited conversation as a promise before checking the calendar. You may be asking for sound evidence and enough conversation to make its meaning clear, while Alex is looking for room to explore an idea aloud and hear an engaged response. Before you repeat your position, ask Alex which of those two needs is still unanswered.

You can work together more clearly.

Imagine you and Alex sharing the results of a staff survey. A Ci preference may lead you to check what the answers support. An I preference may help Alex find an example that gets colleagues talking. Choose one finding together and explain it in everyday words. Keep the source available when questions come up.

Suppose a survey example describes one unusually positive response. Alex likes its energy. Compare it with the full set of answers before presenting it as typical, and choose wording that fits what was actually asked.

You can make everyday life together easier.

You and Alex are considering a new class. Alex is excited to join; you want to understand what the class involves first. Look at the schedule and beginner requirements together. Each of you can share what appeals to you and what you still need to know. Agree when you will decide so you both know the idea is still being considered.

You can make a decision you both understand.

Keep an appealing story attached to a finding you can explain, and label an unanswered question before deciding. To feel ready with your Ci preference, you may need sound evidence and enough conversation to make its meaning clear. Alex's I preference may bring a request for room to explore an idea aloud and hear an engaged response. Before you call it decided, say what is still unanswered and which of you will answer it.

You can repair a difficult conversation.

If this becomes a disagreement, start with what you can change in your Ci response: state your main concern first and ask which part needs more explanation. For Alex, repairing the I response could mean making room to acknowledge the missed commitment and offer a specific way to put it right. Ask for that change directly and give Alex a chance to answer before continuing.

Adapt these example words to your situation: "Alex, the pottery class sounds enjoyable. I want to check the times and whether materials are included. Could we look tonight and decide together?"

If your style is Ci, try this with Alex.

• Tell Alex what interests you before listing your questions.
• Explain one useful finding in a few plain sentences.

If your style is I, try this with Alex.

• Give Alex the details needed to check the idea.
• Ask what the information means before suggesting a bigger plan.

You can try this together during the week.

Explain one modest finding to Alex using an everyday example, then ask what conclusion Alex took from the example. If your style is Ci, notice whether you give the conclusion before walking through the supporting detail. If your style is I, pay attention to whether you write down your own commitment before adding another suggestion. Compare the conclusion Alex heard with the limited finding you intended the example to explain.

Your styles are one part of the picture

DISC describes communication preferences. It cannot predict whether a relationship will succeed. Your circumstances, values and choices matter too. Use these examples to start a conversation about what fits you both.

You may want to ask these questions.