Communication Styles

Controller/Director

• task-oriented personality

• a commander who gets the job done

• takes charge

• is fearless and competitive

• is strong in conversations but private about personal matters

• Goal-oriented and motivated to act

• little interest in details

• may be perceived as bossy or insensitive

Communicating with a Controller/Director

• be direct, concise, and focused on the task; get to the point and clearly state what you need

Controller/Director Clinical Scenario

An ultrasound technologist is concerned about what she sees while imaging a pregnant patient and needs guidance from the charge technologist. She should directly ask for guidance, such as: “Please review these images and advise whether I need to take any additional images. I am unsure how to proceed.”

Promoter/Socializer

• People-oriented personality

• entertainer who enjoys helping others, brainstorming, and sharing ideas

• Flexible, creative, optimistic, enthusiastic, expressive, sociable, and talkative

• often the life of the party

Communicating with a Promoter/Socializer

• Encourage conversation, creativity, brainstorming, and sharing personal experiences or feelings

• allow discussion to generate new ideas and approaches

Promoter/Socializer Clinical Scenario

When chairing a healthcare meeting to develop a new treatment approach with Joel, a socializer, allow him to share experiences and feelings. Learning from others with different skills and perspectives can help generate new approaches.

Supporter/Relater

• People-oriented personality

• harmonizer who values relationships and others' feelings

• is patient, calm, steady, competent, and a good listener

• Dislikes conflict and change and may take time with major decisions

Communicating with a Supporter/Relater

• Provide background information

• allow time to review information and make decisions

• remain patient and flexible

• They may ask questions or request additional information

Supporter/Relater Clinical Scenario

An X-ray technologist has performed a CT scan of a patient with an abdominal mass and is unsure whether more scans are necessary. When communicating with a supporter-style radiologist, provide context and background, allow time to review the images, and answer any questions.

Analyzer/Thinker

• Task-oriented personality

• values accuracy, facts, figures, and details

• Often works independently

• thinks quickly but speaks slowly

• is cautious about decisions

• May appear pessimistic, economical, or hesitant

Communicating with an Analyzer/Thinker

• Provide detailed information, facts, figures, and data so they can evaluate whether a decision is worthwhile

• Do not assume they disagree simply because they ask questions or focus on data

Analyzer/Thinker Clinical Scenario

During a committee meeting, provide Joel, an analyzer, with the relevant details and data before expecting him to contribute or make a decision.

Controller/Director Communication Style

Direct, concise, action-oriented, and focused on results.

Promoter/Socializer Communication Style

Enthusiastic, expressive, flexible, and focused on interaction and ideas.

Supporter/Relater Communication Style

Patient, reassuring, cooperative, and relationship-focused.

Analyzer/Thinker Communication Style

Detailed, factual, cautious, and accuracy-focused.

Advocating for Patients

• sometimes healthcare professionals need to adopt a more controller/director style to speak up and advocate for patients

How Controller/Directors and Analyzers/Thinkers Get Along

Both are task-focused, which can help them work together toward goals.

How Promoters/Socializers and Supporters/Relaters Get Along

Both are people-focused, which can help them connect through relationships and communication.

Potential Conflict Between Controllers/Directors and Supporters/Relaters

Controllers prioritize direct action and results, while supporters value relationships, patience, and harmony; these differences can cause conflict.

Communication Within a Healthcare Team

Healthcare teams include nurses, doctors, radiologists, and other professionals with different personality styles.

Personality Styles in Healthcare Teams

Healthcare teams contain a mix of all four DISC styles: Controller, Promoter, Supporter, and Analyzer.

Adapting Communication Within Healthcare Teams

Recognize others' personality characteristics and adjust your communication style to meet their needs and improve teamwork.

Adapting Communication with Patients vs. Healthcare Professionals

The same principle applies to both: remain flexible and adapt to different communication styles to become a more effective communicator.

what communication styles don’t work well together?

controller + supporter

promoter + analyzer

controller + analyzer

promoter + supporter

(whichever 2 are opposite from them)

4 communication styles

• controller

• analyzer

• promoter

• supporter