How DISC Makes Your 1:1 Meetings Better-Starting Today
As a manager, you know how important it is to connect with your team. Maybe you’re in Joppatowne or heading out to meetings in Aberdeen, Edgewood, Bel Air, Towson, or White Marsh. No matter where you’re working, DISC gives you practical ways to make your one-on-one meetings less stressful and more productive. Here’s how you can use a few small changes to get big results from your 1:1s-without any extra meetings or complicated processes.
What Is DISC and Why Should Managers Care?
DISC is a tool that helps you understand four main styles of behavior: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Each style shapes how people like to communicate, give feedback, and solve problems. When you know your own style-and your team’s-you can adjust your approach so everyone feels heard and respected.
- Dominance (D): Direct, focused on results, prefers quick, bottom-line conversations.
- Influence (I): Outgoing, values relationships, likes positive and engaging discussions.
- Steadiness (S): Calm, supportive, enjoys predictable routines and thoughtful conversations.
- Conscientiousness (C): Detail-oriented, values accuracy, prefers clear expectations and thorough explanations.
Takeaway: Knowing your style helps you play to your strengths and avoid misunderstandings in your next 1:1 meeting.
Small Adjustments, Big Impact: How DISC Transforms 1:1s
You don’t need a total overhaul to make your 1:1s better. Instead, focus on these easy tweaks based on DISC-whether you’re meeting at your favorite local coffee spot or checking in by phone.
- Mirror their style: If you notice your team member likes details (C), bring more data to the meeting. If they’re more about the big picture (D), keep it brief and to the point.
- Adjust your pace: Fast talkers appreciate quick conversations, while others may need more time to process and respond.
- Match your feedback: Some people want direct feedback (D or C), while others (I or S) do better with encouragement and positive reinforcement.
- Check in about preferences: Ask your team member how they like to receive information or updates. This simple question can break down communication barriers.
- Set clear action steps: Make sure every 1:1 ends with a quick summary of next steps-especially important for analytical and steady styles.
Tip: Try one adjustment in your next meeting and see how it changes the conversation. You’ll likely notice more engagement and less confusion-right away.
DISC in Action: Real Examples from Local Teams
Teams all around Harford and Baltimore counties are seeing the value of DISC. Picture a manager who commutes between Joppatowne and Bel Air-one team member is always eager to jump into new projects, while another wants time to plan and reflect. By using DISC, this manager can:
- Give the go-getter quick updates and bold new challenges
- Offer the thoughtful team member time to prepare and space to share ideas
- Balance meetings so everyone gets what they need, making the drive out to Towson or White Marsh worth it every time
Next step: Think about your own team-who prefers a quick chat, and who likes to dig into details? Jot down one thing you can change for each person’s next 1:1.
Why These Tweaks Matter for Your Leadership
When you use DISC in your 1:1s, you build trust and make your team feel valued. This leads to:
- Fewer misunderstandings during check-ins
- Quicker agreement on goals and projects
- More honest feedback-up and down the chain
- Better retention and team morale, whether you’re meeting in Aberdeen, Edgewood, or just down the street in Joppatowne
Takeaway: The little things you do-like listening in a way your team member prefers-add up to stronger results for you and your team.
Try DISC in Your Next 1:1
You don’t have to change everything at once. Start with one or two DISC tweaks the next time you sit down with a team member. You’ll notice the difference-whether your meetings are at the office, a local diner in Bel Air, or during a quick coffee run in Towson. With practice, these adjustments will feel natural and your team will thank you for it.