How to Make Your Meetings Work for Every DISC Style
Ever sat in a meeting where some folks nod along, others seem distracted, and a few barely speak up? Chances are, you’re seeing the DISC personality styles in action. If you’re leading meetings in Coram or nearby towns like Centereach, Farmingville, Holbrook, Ronkonkoma, or Selden, learning how to reach each style can make those hours around the conference table (or on Zoom) more productive for everyone.
DISC in Meetings: Why It Matters
The DISC model breaks personality into four main styles: D (Dominance), I (Influence), S (Steadiness), and C (Conscientiousness). Each style brings something unique to your team-and each one listens, speaks, and responds a little differently in meetings. When you tailor your approach, you’ll see:
- Clearer communication-less confusion, more focus
- Better participation-everyone feels included
- Fewer misunderstandings-less back-and-forth after meetings
Whether you’re running a staff huddle in the office park or hopping on a call from home in Centereach, understanding DISC can help you lead meetings that actually get results.
Break Down the Four DISC Styles
Here’s how each DISC style typically shows up in meetings-and what you can do to make sure they feel heard:
- D (Dominance): Wants efficiency, clear goals, and quick decisions. Prefers getting to the point fast.
- I (Influence): Enjoys stories, energy, and group interaction. Likes brainstorming and being recognized for input.
- S (Steadiness): Values teamwork, predictability, and a calm, respectful tone. Prefers a chance to process before responding.
- C (Conscientiousness): Looks for details, logic, and data. Needs clear instructions and time to consider options.
Tip: As you read through, think about which styles show up most in your team-or which meetings felt like a struggle. The DISC lens can explain a lot!
Speaking So Every Style Actually Hears You
Now, let’s talk about what you can try right away in your next meeting:
- Start with a clear agenda. D and C styles want structure and purpose. I and S appreciate knowing what to expect.
- Give everyone a chance to speak-but don’t pressure. I styles love to share, while S and C may need a prompt or written way to contribute.
- Use stories and data. I styles connect with stories; C styles want the facts. D styles like big-picture impact; S styles appreciate how things affect the team.
- Summarize decisions and next steps. D and C want action items; S and I benefit from a recap to feel included and clear.
- Follow up in writing. C and S styles value written notes, while D and I may just want bullet points of what’s next.
Next step: Try opening your next meeting with a quick poll: “How do you like to contribute-speaking, writing, or small group chats?” You’ll learn a lot about your team’s styles right away.
Real Meeting Scenarios: DISC in Action
Here are a few examples you might recognize from your own meetings:
- Fast-paced discussion stalls: D styles push for decisions, but S and C folks need time. Pause and ask, “Who needs more info before we decide?”
- Group brainstorm loses focus: I styles run with ideas, but D and C folks want to stick to the point. Keep a “parking lot” for tangents and circle back to the agenda.
- Quiet team members: S and C styles may hold back. Try a round-robin, or ask for written input after the meeting.
- Meetings run long: D and I styles may get impatient. Set timeframes for each topic and stick to them.
Tip: If you’re traveling between Coram and neighboring places like Farmingville or Ronkonkoma, consider these approaches when you visit different offices or teams-it helps everyone feel understood, no matter where you meet.
Make Your Meetings Count: Next Steps
With a little practice, you can run meetings where every style feels heard and valued-whether you’re in downtown Coram or stopping by a client in Holbrook. Here’s what you can do this week:
- Identify the main DISC styles in your next meeting
- Adjust your communication-use both facts and stories, invite input in different ways
- End every meeting with a summary and clear action items
When you build meetings around DISC, you help your team save time, reduce confusion, and build stronger working relationships. And that’s something every professional from Selden to Centereach can appreciate.