How DISC Can Make Your 1:1 Meetings Smoother and More Effective
As a manager, you know how important those regular one-on-one meetings are. They’re your chance to really connect, give feedback, and keep your team moving in the right direction. But if you’ve ever felt like your message isn’t landing or you’re not quite “clicking” with someone, you’re not alone. That’s where the DISC model can help. With a few small adjustments based on DISC, you can turn your 1:1s into real power hours-no matter if your team comes from Deer Park, Bay Shore, Bethpage, Lindenhurst, or West Babylon.
DISC Basics: Why It Matters for Your 1:1s
DISC is a simple personality assessment that helps you understand how people prefer to communicate and work. Everyone falls into one (or a mix) of four main styles:
- D (Dominance): Direct, decisive, loves efficiency
- I (Influence): Outgoing, persuasive, energized by people
- S (Steadiness): Calm, patient, values stability and support
- C (Conscientiousness): Analytical, detail-oriented, likes accuracy
Knowing your team member’s DISC style means you can meet them where they are-making every 1:1 more productive and less stressful. The key? Tiny tweaks in how you set up and run your meetings.
Small Changes, Big Results: Tweaking 1:1s With DISC
You don’t have to overhaul your whole approach. Try these simple tweaks based on DISC to get better outcomes, whether you’re managing folks who grew up catching the LIRR from Lindenhurst or squeezing in a beach walk before work in Bay Shore.
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For “D” Types:
- Get right to the point-skip the small talk.
- Focus on results, goals, and what’s next.
- Ask for their input on decisions and trust their independence.
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For “I” Types:
- Start with a warm greeting, maybe a quick chat about last weekend’s Yankees game.
- Highlight team wins and keep the mood upbeat.
- Give them space to share their ideas and stories.
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For “S” Types:
- Open with a friendly check-in; show you care.
- Give them time to process-they don’t love surprises.
- Emphasize how changes will affect the team, not just the individual.
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For “C” Types:
- Share the agenda ahead of time if you can.
- Be ready with facts and examples.
- Allow space for questions and be open to their need for details.
Real-Life DISC Wins for Managers
It’s not just theory. These tweaks work across different industries and teams. Say you’re running a retail crew in Bethpage, leading a warehouse team in West Babylon, or managing a remote group spread from Deer Park to Bay Shore and Lindenhurst. When you tailor your approach to fit each person’s DISC style, you’ll notice:
- Less misunderstanding and fewer repeated conversations
- Team members showing up more prepared and open
- Feedback conversations that feel collaborative, not tense
- Employees leaving 1:1s feeling heard and clear on next steps
It’s the difference between a quick, confusing chat and a meeting where both of you walk out with real clarity-kind of like the difference between a packed rush-hour train and a smooth Sunday drive down Route 231.
How to Start Using DISC in Your 1:1s
- Take the DISC assessment yourself, and encourage your team to do the same.
- Review your team’s DISC profiles before each 1:1. Even a quick glance at their main style helps.
- Try out one tweak per meeting-don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to change everything at once.
- Reflect on what worked and what didn’t. Adjust as you go.
Plenty of teams across Nassau and Suffolk counties have found that these small shifts pay off, whether you’re based near the bustling shops of Deer Park Avenue or meeting in a coffee spot off Sunrise Highway.
Action Step: Try a DISC Tweak in Your Next 1:1
Pick one team member and try a DISC-based tweak in your next meeting. Maybe that’s being more direct, or making time for a quick personal chat. Pay attention to their reaction and see if the conversation feels easier or more productive. Each small step builds your confidence and helps your team connect with you-and each other-a little better every time.