How to Set Team Goals Everyone Can Get Behind Using DISC
If you’re leading or working in a team, you know how tough it can be to get everyone pulling in the same direction. People have different personalities, work styles, and ways of communicating. That’s where the DISC model comes in. By making your team goals “DISC-friendly,” you can help your group move together more smoothly and avoid a lot of the common headaches that come with group projects.
What Does DISC-Friendly Goal Setting Mean?
DISC stands for four main personality styles: Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C). Each style brings something special to the table. When you set goals with DISC in mind, you’re making sure every team member feels seen, heard, and motivated to contribute.
- Dominance: Likes clear, challenging goals and quick results.
- Influence: Enjoys working with others and celebrating wins together.
- Steadiness: Prefers steady progress, clear steps, and a supportive environment.
- Conscientiousness: Wants details, accuracy, and logical plans.
By blending these needs into your goal-setting process, you’ll notice stronger engagement, less confusion, and smoother teamwork.
Try this: When crafting a new goal, ask your team to share what motivates them and what helps them do their best work. Use their feedback to adjust your goals and plans.
Why DISC-Friendly Goals Work for Teams
DISC-friendly goals work because they tap into what drives each team member. When people feel like their strengths are valued, they’re more likely to step up and contribute. Here’s how using DISC can improve your goals:
- Clear communication: Everyone understands what’s expected and why it matters.
- Better teamwork: People with different styles find it easier to work together.
- Faster problem-solving: You know who to turn to for new ideas, careful analysis, steady support, or quick decisions.
- Less conflict: When everyone’s work style is respected, misunderstandings are less likely.
Takeaway: The next time your team hits a roadblock, use DISC to talk through what each person needs to get moving again.
How to Make Your Goals DISC-Friendly
So, how do you set goals that work for every DISC style? Here’s a simple approach you can use in your next meeting:
- Start with the big picture: People high in D and I styles want to know the “why” behind your goal. Share the vision and what success will look like.
- Break it down: S and C types appreciate specifics. Provide milestones, timelines, and clear roles so everyone knows what to do.
- Invite feedback: Let each person weigh in on the plan. This shows respect for different perspectives and surfaces roadblocks early.
- Celebrate along the way: I styles love recognition, and everyone enjoys seeing progress. Mark small wins to keep morale high.
- Adjust as you go: If something’s not working, check in with your team and tweak your approach. Flexibility is key to keeping everyone engaged.
Next step: At your next team huddle, ask each person how they prefer to get updates or feedback. You’ll quickly spot style differences and can tailor communications for better results.
DISC in Action: Real-World Examples
Whether you’re working in a busy office, a remote team, or a local nonprofit, DISC-friendly goal setting makes a difference. Think about projects where you’ve seen people talking past each other or getting stuck. By using DISC, you can turn those situations around.
- In meetings: Use DISC language to encourage participation from everyone, not just the loudest voices.
- During planning: Assign tasks based on strengths. Give C styles the details, D styles the deadlines, I styles the team updates, and S styles the support roles.
- When resolving conflict: Remind the group of everyone’s unique contributions and revisit the shared goal.
Tip: If your team is struggling to move forward, revisit your goals and check if they work for all DISC types. Small changes can make a big difference.
Bringing DISC Training to Your Area
If your team is based in Monterey, you’re in good company. Many professionals in nearby spots like Seaside, Salinas, Marina, Prunedale, and Pacific Grove are looking for ways to work better together. Whether your team is commuting along Highway 1 or grabbing coffee downtown, DISC-friendly goal setting will help you communicate more clearly and accomplish more together.
- Traveling for work? If you work with teams in Salinas or Marina, you’ll find that people appreciate a straightforward, practical approach. DISC gives you the language and tools to make teamwork easier, no matter where you’re meeting.
- Hybrid or remote teams? With colleagues in Pacific Grove or Prunedale, DISC training helps you keep everyone on the same page-even when you’re working from different locations.
Action idea: Bring up DISC at your next cross-location meeting. Suggest taking a DISC assessment together or run a DISC workshop to set your next team goal. You’ll quickly see stronger communication and better alignment.