How DISC Can Make Your 1:1 Meetings Smoother
If you manage a team, you already know how one-on-one meetings can set the tone for trust, growth, and teamwork. But have you ever noticed how the same approach doesn’t work with everyone? DISC training gives you a practical way to tweak your style so every 1:1 feels more productive and less stressful-for both you and your team member.
What Is DISC, and Why Should You Use It in 1:1s?
DISC is a personality assessment tool that helps you understand how people prefer to communicate and approach problems. The four main DISC styles-Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness-show up in every workplace, whether you’re leading a team in a lively office or managing remote employees from your favorite coffee shop.
- Dominance (D): Direct, decisive, and results-focused.
- Influence (I): Social, enthusiastic, and people-oriented.
- Steadiness (S): Patient, dependable, and team-focused.
- Conscientiousness (C): Analytical, careful, and detail-oriented.
Knowing your own DISC style-and recognizing the styles of your team-lets you tailor your conversations so they feel more personal and effective. The result? Less confusion, fewer misunderstandings, and more real progress in your 1:1s.
Tip: Before your next meeting, think about which DISC style your team member might have. Review what motivates them and how they like to receive feedback.
Small Changes, Big Impact: DISC Tweaks for Managers
Small adjustments in how you run your 1:1s can make all the difference. Here are some ways managers like you are using DISC training to connect better with their teams:
- With a Dominance style: Get to the point quickly. Focus on results and next steps. Avoid too much chit-chat.
- With an Influence style: Allow time for conversation. Highlight team successes and ask for their ideas.
- With a Steadiness style: Be patient. Create a calm setting and check in on how they’re feeling about changes.
- With a Conscientiousness style: Share data and details. Be clear with expectations and give them time to process information.
Takeaway: One size does not fit all. Adjust your tone, pace, and focus to fit the DISC style in front of you.
Real-World Results: DISC in Action
Across teams from Altadena to Pasadena and Glendale, managers are seeing how DISC tools help everyone get on the same page faster. Maybe you’ve driven down the 210 after a tough meeting, wondering what you could’ve done differently. With DISC, those second-guessing moments happen less often.
For example, a manager in Alhambra found that using DISC insights in her 1:1s helped a quiet, detail-oriented employee open up about project challenges. Over in Arcadia, team leads noticed that their more outgoing folks were more engaged when meetings included time for open discussion.
Next step: Try asking a DISC-style question in your next check-in, like, “Would you prefer a quick update or a more detailed discussion today?”
Making DISC Work in Weekly Check-Ins
If you travel between locations like Pasadena, Arcadia, Glendale, Alhambra, or Sierra Madre, you know that every office has its own vibe. The same goes for your team members. Use DISC to match the mood:
- Start with a quick check-in about their week. Adjust your energy to match theirs.
- Ask for feedback in a way that fits their style-direct for some, collaborative for others.
- End with clear action items, tailored to how they like to work.
Tip for your next trip: If you’re heading to a different office, think about how the location (and the team’s DISC mix) might affect your meetings. A quieter team in Sierra Madre might appreciate a slower pace, while a busy office in Pasadena may do better with a fast, focused agenda.
How to Get Started with DISC Training
You don’t have to overhaul everything at once. Start by taking a DISC assessment yourself and encourage your team to do the same. Many organizations in and around Altadena find that even a single DISC workshop can reveal insights that instantly improve communication.
Once you know your style, practice adjusting your approach in one meeting per week. Jot down what works and what doesn’t, and tweak as you go. Over time, you’ll see your 1:1s become smoother, more productive, and less stressful for everyone involved.
Action step: Choose one person on your team this week and try a DISC-inspired tweak in your next 1:1. Notice the difference-and keep building from there.