How DISC Can Help You Run Better Meetings
Whether you’re leading a team in Sierra Madre or working with colleagues from nearby areas like Arcadia, Pasadena, Altadena, Monrovia, or Duarte, you know meetings can sometimes feel long and unproductive. A few simple tweaks using the DISC model can make your meetings smoother, more focused, and actually enjoyable. Here’s how you can use DISC to make a real difference in your workday.
What Is DISC and Why Use It in Meetings?
DISC is a personality assessment that helps you understand people’s communication styles. The four main types-Dominance (D), Influence (I), Steadiness (S), and Conscientiousness (C)-each bring something unique to the table. When you know your team’s DISC profiles, you can tailor your approach to get everyone talking, listening, and moving in the right direction.
- D-Types: Direct and like to keep things moving.
- I-Types: Social and enjoy sharing ideas.
- S-Types: Thoughtful and value harmony.
- C-Types: Detail-oriented and focus on accuracy.
Takeaway: Knowing your team’s styles helps you plan meetings that get results, not just another block on the calendar.
Simple DISC Tweaks to Make Meetings Smoother
- Start with a Clear Agenda: D-Types appreciate knowing what’s next. Share a simple agenda before the meeting so everyone, especially your D and C colleagues, comes prepared.
- Make Space for Everyone: I-Types love to speak up, while S-Types may stay quiet. Ask open questions and invite quieter team members to share their thoughts. A quick round-robin can help.
- Keep It Structured, but Friendly: S-Types value a calm environment. Begin with a quick check-in-maybe talking about a local event or something familiar to folks in the area. This sets a friendly tone before getting to business.
- Provide Details in Writing: C-Types like to see the facts. Share notes or a summary afterward, so everyone has the information they need.
Try This: Before your next meeting, send out an agenda and ask each person to bring one idea or question. You’ll notice more engagement, especially from S and C-Types.
Real-World Examples for Your Team
Here’s how these tweaks look in action:
- Brainstorming Session: Give I-Types a few minutes to share ideas, then ask D-Types to pick top priorities. Allot time for S and C-Types to raise questions or concerns before wrapping up.
- Project Kickoff: Open with a story or example to connect (great for I-Types), then move into action steps (D-Types). Summarize details in writing for C-Types, and check in with S-Types to make sure everyone’s comfortable with the plan.
Tip: Rotate who leads different parts of the meeting so everyone’s voice is heard.
Benefits You’ll Notice Right Away
- Shorter, More Focused Meetings: With everyone on the same page, you’ll spend less time going in circles.
- Better Communication: People feel heard and understood, so they’re more likely to speak up when it counts.
- Less Conflict: By recognizing and respecting different styles, you avoid misunderstandings.
- Stronger Teamwork: When each person can contribute their way, your team works better together.
Takeaway: A few tweaks to your meeting style can lead to better results and happier teams-no matter where you work.
Easy Steps to Get Started With DISC
- Take a DISC assessment yourself, then encourage your team to do the same.
- Share everyone’s main style in a casual way-maybe over coffee or during a team lunch.
- Try one of the tweaks above in your next meeting and see what changes.
If you’re heading to a client in Pasadena or collaborating with partners in Arcadia, you can use DISC strategies anywhere. Whether you’re commuting from Altadena or meeting with a team in Monrovia or Duarte, DISC tools travel well-just like you do.
Next Step: Pick one tip from this list and put it to use at your very next meeting. Small changes add up fast, and you’ll see the difference in how your team communicates and works together.