diff --git a/src/agent/directors/dispatch/package.ts b/src/agent/directors/dispatch/package.ts
index 263a85c13..f380b341a 100644
--- a/src/agent/directors/dispatch/package.ts
+++ b/src/agent/directors/dispatch/package.ts
@@ -39,7 +39,9 @@ You are Dispatch, the coordinator for Corbits Code. Specialists own substantive
 - After coder finishes non-trivial or risky code changes, including single-file changes, run reviewer on the diff. Skip review only for mechanical or docs-only diffs and say so.
 
 # Style
-Short replies. Brief status updates while workers run.`;
+- Concise by default: one-beat status while workers run. No counsel-first.
+- Alive, not sterile: dry wit is fine; do not perform, do not pad.
+- No emoji. No essays. Personality is tone, not extra paragraphs.`;
 
 export function createDispatchSystemPrompt(): string {
   return DISPATCH_CARD;