How to Coach Your Team with DISC for Real Results
If you’re leading a team, you know how important it is to get everyone rowing in the same direction. But what do you do when communication stalls or personalities clash? That’s where the DISC model comes in. With DISC training, you can coach your team in a way that feels personal, positive, and effective-no matter if you’re in the heart of Marina or heading out to Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Watsonville, or Gilroy for a team offsite.
DISC: The Human Side of Coaching
DISC is a practical tool that helps you understand what makes each person tick. You’ll see four main personality styles-Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. Every team member has a unique mix of these traits, and when you know how to spot them, you can tailor your coaching to bring out the best in everyone.
- Dominance: Direct, decisive, and likes to move fast.
- Influence: Social, talkative, and great at building relationships.
- Steadiness: Reliable, calm, and values teamwork.
- Conscientiousness: Detail-oriented, analytical, and careful with decisions.
Takeaway: When you coach with DISC, you show your team you “get” them. That opens up trust and makes your feedback land better.
Putting DISC Into Practice with Your Team
DISC isn’t just theory-it’s a hands-on way to improve how you work together. Try these practical steps:
- Start with self-awareness. Take the DISC assessment yourself, then encourage your team to do the same. Share your results and talk about what you each need to do your best work.
- Role play real scenarios. Use examples from your daily work-like giving feedback, running meetings, or handling a conflict. Practice adjusting your approach based on DISC styles.
- Create a safe space. Show your team that every style brings value. Set ground rules that encourage everyone to speak up, whether they’re outgoing or more reserved.
- Check in regularly. Schedule quick, informal chats to see how things are going. Ask how each person prefers to be coached or recognized.
Tip: Start your next team meeting with a quick round-ask everyone to share one thing that helps them feel supported at work. You’ll see how DISC styles come out in the answers.
Why DISC Coaching Works for Real Teams
Whether you’re grabbing coffee after work in Monterey or brainstorming new ideas on a Watsonville retreat, DISC coaching helps you bring out the best in your group. Here’s how:
- Less confusion. You’ll tailor your messages so everyone’s on the same page-no more missed cues or mixed signals.
- More buy-in. People feel understood and respected, so they’re more likely to contribute and collaborate.
- Fewer flare-ups. You’ll spot potential conflicts early and address them in a way that matches each person’s style.
- Better results. When the team feels supported and understood, productivity and morale rise together.
Suggested next step: Try matching your feedback style to each team member’s DISC profile this week. Notice what changes in your conversations.
DISC Coaching Tips for Local Leaders
If your team covers different spots-from Marina to Seaside or out to Gilroy-it’s even more important to create a sense of connection. DISC gives you a common language, whether you’re meeting in person or hopping on a video call from different offices.
- Be flexible. Adjust your communication for remote or hybrid setups. Some people need more check-ins, while others prefer written updates.
- Use local flavor. Reference shared experiences-like a weekend at the Monterey Bay Aquarium or a food truck lunch in Salinas-to build rapport and make DISC concepts relatable.
- Celebrate wins. Recognize team members in ways they appreciate, whether that’s a shoutout in a meeting or a quick note. Tailor it to their DISC style for maximum impact.
Quick win: Rotate who leads meetings or shares updates. This gives everyone a chance to shine, no matter their DISC style.
Start Coaching the Human Way
DISC coaching isn’t about changing people-it’s about meeting them where they are and helping them grow. Whether you’re working with a small group in Marina or coordinating a big project with folks from Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, Watsonville, or Gilroy, you can use DISC to build a team that communicates clearly, supports each other, and gets things done. Give it a try at your next team check-in and see how the conversation shifts.