How DISC Tweaks Can Make Your Meetings Run Smoother
If you’ve ever left a meeting in Oxnard or nearby spots like Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Santa Paula, or Port Hueneme wondering why it felt like a roundabout with no exits, you’re not alone. Meetings can easily get off track or feel tense, especially when people think and communicate differently. The good news? You can make meetings more effective with a few simple adjustments using the DISC model.
DISC Basics: The Four Styles at Work
DISC is a personality assessment that helps you understand how you and your colleagues like to communicate. The four behavioral styles are:
- D (Dominance): Direct, results-focused, prefers action.
- I (Influence): Outgoing, enthusiastic, values collaboration.
- S (Steadiness): Calm, dependable, likes stability.
- C (Conscientiousness): Analytical, detail-oriented, values accuracy.
Knowing these styles helps you tailor your meetings so everyone can contribute their best. The takeaway? Start noticing which styles pop up in your next meeting and adjust your approach to match.
Start Strong: Set Clear Expectations
Dive into your next meeting with clear objectives laid out for everyone. This is especially helpful if you’re working with folks who want to stick to the agenda or need a little more structure.
- Share the meeting’s purpose and what you hope to accomplish.
- Give an outline or send a brief agenda ahead of time.
- Let people know how and when you’ll invite input.
Tip: A little prep goes a long way. Before you gather your team, jot down a few bullet points of the main topics and send them in advance. People from different DISC styles will thank you for it.
Run the Meeting with DISC in Mind
During the meeting, pay attention to how each person likes to contribute. Here’s how you can use DISC tweaks on the fly:
- For “D” types: Be brief, stay focused, and move quickly to decisions.
- For “I” types: Encourage open discussion and allow time for brainstorming.
- For “S” types: Create a supportive space and make room for everyone to share.
- For “C” types: Provide detailed information and clarify data or next steps.
Next step: Try opening your next meeting with a quick pulse check-ask people how they’d prefer to participate. This sets the tone and makes everyone feel seen.
Keep Things Moving and Productive
Meetings in professional circles from Ventura to Thousand Oaks can get bogged down if you don’t keep things moving. Here’s how to keep your agenda on track while respecting everyone’s DISC style:
- Assign time limits for each topic.
- Ask direct questions when you need input from quieter team members.
- Balance quick decision-making with time for questions or clarifications.
- Summarize key points as you go, especially before moving on to the next subject.
Takeaway: If you feel the energy dipping, shift gears. Invite someone who hasn’t spoken to share or pose a question directly to the group.
Wrap Up with Clear Action Items
End your meeting with a quick recap and clear action steps. This is where you connect the dots for every DISC style:
- Summarize main decisions and next steps.
- Assign responsibilities and deadlines.
- Ask if anyone needs further clarification.
Try this: Before everyone heads out-whether it’s to lunch in downtown Oxnard or back to their home office in Port Hueneme-review who’s doing what by when. This keeps everyone accountable and reduces confusion.
Bringing DISC Insights to Local Teams
Whether you’re in Oxnard or traveling between nearby cities like Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Santa Paula, or Port Hueneme, these tweaks are easy to bring into any meeting. DISC training is practical-no need for a big overhaul. Even small changes, like adjusting your communication or clarifying expectations, can lead to stronger teamwork and fewer headaches.
Try applying one DISC tweak at your next meeting. You’ll start to notice better engagement and less time spent circling the same topics. If you want to go further, consider a DISC assessment or workshop for your team-especially if you’re looking to improve communication, build trust, or resolve conflicts faster.