Small Changes to Make Your 1:1 Meetings Better with DISC
If you manage a team anywhere near West Islip, you know how important clear and productive 1:1 meetings are. Whether your team comes from Bay Shore, Babylon, Lindenhurst, Deer Park, or Central Islip, you’re juggling different personalities and communication styles. The DISC model is a proven way to make small tweaks that can completely shift the way you connect with each team member-without feeling overwhelming or scripted.
What DISC Means for Managers
DISC stands for four primary personality styles-Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Understanding these styles helps you spot how people prefer to communicate and what motivates them. When you adapt your 1:1 approach to each style, you get more honest conversations, faster problem-solving, and clearer next steps.
- Dominance (D): Direct, decisive, and results-driven.
- Influence (I): Social, enthusiastic, and people-focused.
- Steadiness (S): Patient, reliable, and supportive.
- Conscientiousness (C): Analytical, detail-oriented, and cautious.
Takeaway: Get familiar with the four DISC styles so you can start noticing them in your team’s daily behavior.
Why Tiny Tweaks Matter in Your 1:1s
Small adjustments based on DISC can make a big difference. Instead of trying to overhaul your entire management style, focus on one or two things for each person. This doesn’t mean you have to become a personality expert-it’s about noticing patterns and responding to them in ways that show respect for each individual.
- Adjust your language: Use more direct statements with some, ask more open questions with others.
- Change your meeting pace: Some want to move quickly, others need a slower, more thoughtful approach.
- Personalize recognition: Some appreciate public praise, while others prefer a private thank you.
Tip: Try one DISC-inspired tweak in your next 1:1 and see how your team member responds.
DISC in Action: 1:1 Meeting Examples
Here are some ways to put DISC training into practice during your regular check-ins:
- With a “D” style: Get straight to the point. Focus on results, skip unnecessary details, and set clear action items.
- With an “I” style: Start with friendly conversation. Acknowledge recent wins, keep the energy up, and allow space for brainstorming.
- With an “S” style: Offer reassurance. Stick to a predictable agenda, give time to process, and show appreciation for their steady work.
- With a “C” style: Provide data and structure. Be prepared for questions, respect their need for accuracy, and avoid putting them on the spot.
Try this: Before your next meeting, spend 30 seconds thinking about which DISC style fits each team member best. Prepare one adjustment to your approach based on that style.
Making DISC Work in Your Local Team
If you travel between West Islip and nearby spots like Bay Shore, Babylon, Lindenhurst, Deer Park, or Central Islip, you’ve probably noticed that local culture and personality go hand in hand. People from the South Shore might get to the point a little faster, while others value a personal touch. DISC helps you cut through the guesswork so your meetings feel more natural-no matter where your team members call home.
- Notice how your team responds when you try new approaches-Long Island teams appreciate authenticity.
- Share a bit about your own style and ask your team what works best for them.
- Encourage everyone to take the DISC assessment for better self-awareness.
Next step: After your next 1:1, jot down what went well and what felt off. Use this to fine-tune your approach for the next conversation.
Move Forward with Better 1:1s
DISC isn’t about labeling people. It’s about making your management style more flexible and effective. If you’re in West Islip or commuting from Bay Shore, Babylon, Lindenhurst, Deer Park, or Central Islip, a few small changes can lead to better meetings, stronger relationships, and less confusion. Your team will notice the difference-and you’ll spend less time repeating yourself or clearing up misunderstandings.
- Start small: Pick one DISC tweak to try in your next 1:1.
- Pay attention to the response.
- Adjust for the next meeting.
Ready to see real improvement? Start with one change and watch your 1:1s get easier and more productive, one conversation at a time.