How to Give Feedback Without Feeling Nervous: DISC Can Help
If you work with people-whether you’re leading a team, coaching employees, or collaborating with peers-giving feedback is part of the job. For many professionals in Denton and nearby places like Lewisville, Little Elm, Corinth, Carrollton, and Flower Mound, just thinking about feedback can make your stomach do flips. The good news? You can make these conversations much smoother and more effective by using the DISC model. Here’s how you can give feedback without all the nerves.
Why Feedback Feels Tough
Most people get nervous about feedback because you never know how the other person will react. It’s easy to worry about hurting feelings, damaging relationships, or causing tension on your team. But feedback doesn’t have to be stressful. When you understand your own communication style-and the style of the person you’re talking to-you can deliver your message in a way that gets results instead of pushback.
- Self-awareness: Knowing how you tend to communicate makes you more confident.
- Understanding others: Recognizing what others need helps you avoid misunderstandings.
- Clear communication: Matching your feedback to the other person’s style keeps things positive.
Tip: Before your next feedback conversation, take a moment to reflect on how you like to receive feedback versus how the other person might prefer it.
What DISC Tells You About Feedback Styles
The DISC model sorts people into four main personality types. Each one reacts to feedback a little differently:
- D (Dominance): Direct and to the point. Values efficiency and quick results.
- I (Influence): Friendly and enthusiastic. Likes positive language and encouragement.
- S (Steadiness): Supportive and patient. Appreciates a gentle approach and time to process.
- C (Conscientiousness): Detail-oriented and careful. Responds best to clear facts and logic.
If you know your own DISC style-and can spot the style of your coworker or team member-you can tailor your feedback to match their needs.
Takeaway: Adjust your feedback approach based on DISC styles to make your message easier to accept and act on.
Using DISC for Real-World Feedback
Here’s how to put DISC into action when you need to give feedback:
- With D-types: Be direct. Focus on results. Skip the small talk and get right to what needs to change.
- With I-types: Start with something positive. Use encouraging words. Keep the conversation upbeat and focused on growth.
- With S-types: Take a softer touch. Show empathy. Give them time to respond and ask questions.
- With C-types: Use facts and examples. Be specific and clear. Avoid vague language or emotional appeals.
Think about your own team-maybe you work with someone in marketing who’s always chipper and outgoing, or a finance pro who double-checks every detail. Adjusting your message helps keep things smooth, whether you’re in a Denton office or meeting your team from Little Elm or Carrollton over coffee.
Tip: Before giving feedback, jot down two or three things you know about the person’s style. This will help you frame your conversation in a way that sets both of you up for success.
Getting Started with DISC Assessment
If you’re not sure which DISC style fits you or your team, a quick DISC assessment can help. These personality assessments are easy to take and give you instant insights into your natural communication style. Once you know your DISC profile, you can use the results to prepare for feedback conversations or even team meetings.
- Take the assessment yourself-then encourage your team to do the same.
- Review your profiles together to spot strengths and growth areas.
- Use your new knowledge to plan feedback, recognition, or coaching sessions.
Suggested next step: Schedule a DISC workshop for your team or take the assessment on your own. You’ll see the difference in your next conversation.
Traveling for DISC Training: Local Options
DISC Training is available in Denton and throughout the North Texas area. If you’re based in Lewisville, Little Elm, Corinth, Carrollton, or Flower Mound, you don’t have to travel far. In-person workshops and online sessions are both available, making it easy to fit DISC learning into your busy schedule.
- Check out local training providers who offer DISC workshops for leaders, teams, and managers.
- Look for sessions that include hands-on activities-like role play and real-life scenarios-to make the training stick.
- If your team is spread across different towns, ask about virtual options that bring everyone together.
Tip: Book a DISC training session as a team-building activity. You’ll get practical tools and build stronger relationships at the same time.
Key Takeaways for Giving Feedback with DISC
- Know your DISC style and the style of the person you’re giving feedback to.
- Adjust your approach to match their needs-more direct, more positive, more supportive, or more detailed.
- Plan your message in advance and focus on clear, specific language.
- Use local resources for DISC training to boost your team’s communication skills.
With a little practice and the right tools, giving feedback doesn’t have to tie your stomach in knots. DISC helps you take a practical, people-first approach-so you can build stronger teams and better results, whether you’re working in Denton or just a short drive away.