How to Make DISC Training Part of Your Everyday Work Life
If you’ve completed a DISC workshop, you know it’s more than just a personality test. But once you walk out of that training room, how do you actually keep using what you learned-especially when the pace picks up and work gets hectic? The good news is, you don’t have to overhaul your routine. By building a few simple habits, you can keep DISC alive in your day-to-day, making teamwork, leadership, and communication smoother for everyone on your team.
Small DISC Habits That Stick With You
DISC isn’t just a theory to remember-it’s a tool you can use every day. Here are some ways you can make those insights from your workshop part of your regular work habits:
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Check Your Communication Style: Before you send that quick Slack or email, pause and ask yourself, “Am I writing this in a way that works for the other person’s DISC style?” Making small tweaks-more detail for C-types, more friendliness for I-types-can save you a lot of back-and-forth.
Try this: Pick one conversation today and tailor your message to the recipient’s style. -
Start Meetings with DISC Awareness: If you’re leading or attending meetings, quickly scan the room (or the Zoom) and recall what you know about your colleagues’ DISC profiles. Kick off with a clear agenda for D and C folks. Check in for a few minutes with I and S types to build connection.
Takeaway: Add a sticky note to your computer with “DISC check” to remind yourself before meetings. -
Reflect After Difficult Conversations: When a conversation doesn’t go the way you hoped, think back and ask, “Did I flex my style, or did I stick with what’s comfortable?” This self-awareness is the first step to smoother interactions next time.
Next step: Jot down what worked and what didn’t in your work journal or planner. -
Give Feedback Based on DISC: When you need to coach, correct, or praise someone, use what you know about their DISC profile. D types like direct, to-the-point feedback. S types appreciate encouragement and support. C types want specifics, and I types respond to enthusiasm.
Tip: Personalize your next piece of feedback based on DISC and see how it lands. -
Practice DISC in Everyday Chats: You don’t need a big project to put DISC into action. Even casual conversations-like catching up over coffee or talking about weekend plans-give you a chance to listen and adjust your style.
Action: Try mirroring the pace and tone of your colleague in your next informal chat.
DISC Habits for Teams and Leaders
If you’re leading a team, or even just working closely with others, here are a few ways to build DISC into your group’s culture:
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Kick Off Projects with a DISC Review: Before starting something new, quickly review everyone’s DISC styles. Discuss how you’ll handle communication, decision-making, and feedback.
Takeaway: Put a one-page summary of team DISC profiles on your shared drive for reference. -
Rotate Roles Based on Strengths: Use what you know about each person’s DISC profile to assign roles that match their strengths. Give C types research and quality control. Let I types handle brainstorming or presentations.
Tip: At your next team meeting, ask everyone which role fits them best, based on their DISC style. -
Hold Short “DISC Moments”: Include a quick, five-minute discussion on DISC in your regular team meetings. Share a win, a struggle, or a tip for using DISC that week.
Action: Ask team members to share one thing they did differently because of DISC.
Traveling for Work? Take DISC with You
Many professionals in Doraville find themselves traveling for meetings, conferences, or site visits. Whether your next stop is Brookhaven, Chamblee, Decatur, Dunwoody, or Sandy Springs, DISC skills travel with you. Each area has its own local flavor-from the energy of Brookhaven’s business district to the laid-back feel in Dunwoody. When you approach new colleagues or clients, take a moment to observe and adapt your style. It’s a small step that can help you build rapport fast, even when you’re out of your comfort zone.
- Tip: Before you visit a new office or meet a new team, review the basics of each DISC style and prepare a few questions or conversation starters that fit each one.
Make DISC a Habit, Not a One-Time Event
DISC training isn’t just a workshop-you can use it every day to make your work life better. By practicing these habits consistently, you’ll find your team collaborating more smoothly, communicating more clearly, and handling challenges with less stress. Pick one new DISC habit to try this week, and watch how quickly it becomes second nature.