Make Your 1:1 Meetings Better With Simple DISC Tweaks
As a manager, you already know that 1:1 meetings are essential. They’re your chance to connect, solve problems, and support your team. But even in tight-knit communities like Bryan, and nearby places such as College Station, Brenham, Huntsville, Temple, and Waco, those meetings can fall flat. Maybe you walk away feeling like you missed something or wonder why your message didn’t land. Tiny adjustments using the DISC model can make those conversations more productive, more comfortable, and-most importantly-more effective for you and your direct reports.
What Is DISC and How Can It Help Your 1:1s?
DISC is a simple yet powerful personality assessment tool. It helps you understand four core behavioral styles-Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Every person, including you and your team members, brings a mix of these styles to work. Knowing where someone falls on the DISC spectrum can help you tailor your communication, so each person feels heard and motivated.
- Dominance (D): Values results, quick decisions, direct language.
- Influence (I): Enjoys conversation, energy, and encouragement.
- Steadiness (S): Prefers calm, steady progress, and personal connection.
- Conscientiousness (C): Loves details, structure, and clear logic.
Understanding these styles isn’t just academic-it’s your roadmap for making 1:1s feel more personal and productive.
Takeaway: Next time you prepare for a 1:1, think about your team member’s DISC style and what matters most to them in a conversation.
Small Changes, Big Impact: How DISC Training Improves 1:1s
When you use what you’ve learned in DISC training, you can make quick, practical changes to your meetings. Here’s how:
- Adjust your pace: Move faster with high-D folks, slow it down for high-S teammates.
- Change your focus: Start with results for high-D, or ask about their weekend for high-I and high-S.
- Choose your words: Be direct with high-D and high-C, or conversational with high-I and high-S.
- Provide details or big picture: For high-C, bring data and specifics. For high-I, focus on the “why” and team impact.
In places where people value straight talk and personal connection-like in Bryan and surrounding areas-these shifts help build real trust and stronger relationships.
Try this tip: Before your next meeting, jot down one thing you’ll change based on the person’s DISC style. Notice the difference in how they respond.
DISC Training in Action: Real Conversations That Work
Let’s look at a few examples of how DISC training can turn a typical 1:1 into something more meaningful:
- With a high-D: Start with, “Here’s what we need to accomplish and how you can help.” Skip the small talk and focus on the outcome.
- With a high-I: Open with, “How are you doing? Anything fun happening this week?” Build energy before diving into work topics.
- With a high-S: Ask, “How are you feeling about your workload?” Show you care about their well-being and steady progress.
- With a high-C: Bring a clear agenda and data. Say, “I’ve reviewed your project-here are a few details to look at together.”
In the Brazos Valley, folks value authenticity and respect. By using DISC, you show you’re meeting people where they are-not just following a script.
Quick action: Pick one upcoming 1:1 and try a new DISC-based approach. Watch for better engagement and openness from your team member.
Turn DISC Insights Into Everyday Habits
It’s easy to make DISC a natural part of your leadership style. The more you practice, the more you’ll notice subtle improvements in communication, trust, and results. If you’re traveling between Bryan and College Station, or even heading out to Temple or Huntsville for work, these skills travel with you. They work in any setting-office, remote, or hybrid.
- Keep notes on each team member’s DISC profile in your meeting planner.
- Review before each 1:1 to remind yourself of their preferences.
- Ask for feedback: “Did this meeting feel useful to you?”
- Share what you’re learning-help your team use DISC with each other, too.
Next step: If you haven’t taken a DISC assessment, schedule one for yourself and your team. You’ll get practical tips that make every 1:1 more effective-whether you’re in Bryan, Brenham, or any of the friendly towns nearby.