How to Give Feedback with Confidence Using DISC
If you get nervous before giving feedback to your team or colleagues, you’re not alone. Many professionals in Novato and nearby communities-like San Rafael, Petaluma, Corte Madera, Mill Valley, and Rohnert Park-feel that same pit in their stomach. The good news? The DISC model gives you practical tools to share feedback that actually lands, without the stress and uncertainty.
DISC Makes Feedback Easier for Everyone
Giving feedback is a regular part of leadership, teamwork, and professional growth. But it’s not always easy. The DISC model-based on four main personality styles-helps you understand how people like to communicate, what motivates them, and how they prefer to receive feedback.
- D (Dominance): Direct, results-focused, wants efficiency.
- I (Influence): Social, enthusiastic, values encouragement.
- S (Steadiness): Dependable, calm, appreciates support and harmony.
- C (Conscientiousness): Detail-oriented, careful, values accuracy and logic.
When you know your own DISC style and those of your team, you can tailor your feedback for better results. The process becomes less stressful-and more productive-for everyone.
Takeaway: Learn your team’s DISC profiles to make feedback smoother and more effective.
Action Steps for Using DISC When Sharing Feedback
Here’s how you can put DISC into action the next time you need to give feedback, whether you’re prepping for a one-on-one in Novato or heading out to work with teams in San Rafael or Mill Valley.
- Start with Self-Awareness: Know your own DISC profile. Are you direct or more reserved? Do you value facts or relationships more in communication?
- Adjust Your Approach: Match your feedback style to the other person’s DISC type. For example:
- With a D-style person: Get to the point, focus on results, and avoid small talk.
- With an I-style person: Use encouragement, recognize their contributions, and keep things upbeat.
- With an S-style person: Be gentle, offer reassurance, and explain the “why” behind your feedback.
- With a C-style person: Share facts, details, and logical reasons, and give them space to process.
- Focus on the Future: Instead of only discussing what went wrong, ask how things can be improved together moving forward. This helps keep the conversation positive and constructive.
- Check for Understanding: Ask questions to make sure your feedback is clear, and invite their perspective.
Next Step: Before your next feedback session, jot down a few notes about the person’s DISC style and how you’ll adjust your message.
Try a Simple Role Play First
If you’re worried about how your feedback might come across, try a quick role play with a trusted colleague. This is something many teams in the North Bay do, especially during DISC training workshops. Practicing out loud helps you see where you might sound too blunt, too vague, or not encouraging enough.
- Pick a recent situation where feedback was needed.
- Have your partner play the role of the person receiving feedback, based on their DISC style.
- Ask for their honest reaction-did your message feel clear, fair, and helpful?
Tip: Role playing isn’t just for new managers. Even experienced leaders in Petaluma and Corte Madera find it useful for building confidence.
Making DISC Feedback a Team Habit
Once you experience the benefits of DISC-based feedback, you’ll notice your team culture start to shift. Meetings are less tense. People speak up more. There’s more trust because everyone knows their style is respected.
- Encourage everyone to take the DISC assessment.
- Post the team’s profiles in a common area or digital workspace (with permission).
- Check in after feedback sessions-ask what worked and what could be better.
- Celebrate progress, not just results.
Next Step: Suggest a quick DISC refresher at your next team meeting to keep everyone on the same page.
Traveling for DISC Training? Here’s What Locals Do
If you’re planning to attend a DISC workshop or training, you might find yourself driving from Novato to places like San Rafael, Petaluma, Corte Madera, Mill Valley, or Rohnert Park. Locals know the best times to travel are mid-morning or early afternoon-traffic can get heavy near key intersections, especially on Highway 101 and the Richmond Bridge.
- Grab coffee at a local favorite before your session-Petaluma’s roasteries and Mill Valley’s cozy cafes are always a hit.
- Check for events in the area to avoid parking hassles.
- Carpool if you’re heading to a group training-teams from these areas often meet up to make the trip easier and more fun.
Tip: Use the drive time to review your DISC notes, so you’re ready to put new skills into practice as soon as you arrive.
Start Using DISC Today
Giving feedback doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. When you use the DISC model, you’ll have clear, practical steps to make every conversation more effective. Whether you’re leading a project in Novato or collaborating in nearby communities, DISC helps you build stronger teams and better results-without that knot in your stomach.