Address differing communication styles by fostering understanding and flexibility. In any team discussion start with setting communication norms. Get your team members to express their preferences and change the way they work by methods like detailed agendas for direct communicators and open Q&As for reflective ones. I introduced in one project, brief check ins between gaps to close off the gap and everyone was heard. It promotes active listing and empathy to create an environment where all styles promote themselves as a valuable contributor to team goals.

To bridge conflicting communication styles in a new team, start by 1. Adapting your approach to accommodate diverse preferences. 2. Actively listen to each team member, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued. 3. Clarify expectations around communication norms, such as tone, frequency, and preferred platforms, to reduce misunderstandings. 4. Foster an open environment that encourages honest feedback and mutual respect, where team members can express concerns without hesitation. Remember that by building trust, understanding differences, and aligning on common goals, you’ll create a collaborative atmosphere that turns communication gaps into strengths.

Here’s how I bridge the gap: My strategy starts with prioritizing clarity—when things get lost in translation, I lean into face-to-face conversations or async tools like Looms or voice notes to provide additional context. It’s amazing how much tone and nuance can resolve misunderstandings. Centralized project management systems like Notion help everyone see what’s happening, who’s responsible, and where things stand. There’s something for everyone between these strategies—including all DISC styles. That’s my biggest hack: understanding how each personality type prefers to communicate and using that insight to strategize how we connect as a team. With this approach, we not only address the gaps but build a stronger, more cohesive unit.