How DISC Can Help You Run Better 1:1 Meetings with Your Team
If you lead people, you know how important your one-on-one meetings are. Whether you’re talking to someone in your office, at a coffee shop, or even over a call from Mastic to a colleague in Medford, these conversations can make or break your week. But the way you run your 1:1s can feel hit-or-miss, especially if you’re not sure what each person needs from you. That’s where DISC comes in. Small changes in your approach-based on DISC personality styles-can take your meetings from routine to seriously productive.
DISC Basics: What You Need to Know for 1:1s
DISC is a simple model that helps you understand the four main ways people show up at work:
- D (Dominance): Direct, quick, and focused on results
- I (Influence): Outgoing, enthusiastic, and people-oriented
- S (Steadiness): Calm, patient, and dependable
- C (Conscientiousness): Detail-driven, careful, and focused on accuracy
When you know someone’s DISC style, you can tailor your meetings to match what works for them. It’s like knowing whether a colleague prefers bagels from a Brooklyn deli or a quick Dunkin’ run-they appreciate it when you get it right.
Takeaway: Start noticing how your team members communicate and what gets them motivated or stressed. Even if you don’t know everyone’s DISC profile yet, you can start to spot these patterns.
Easy Tweaks for Each DISC Style
You don’t need to overhaul your whole 1:1 routine. With DISC, a few small changes can make a big difference-whether your team is from Patchogue, Shirley, Centereach, Coram, or Mastic Beach.
- Meeting with a D-Style: Get to the point quickly. Focus on goals and results. Skip the small talk and come prepared with decisions that need to be made.
- Meeting with an I-Style: Start with a warm greeting. Ask about their weekend or something fun. Let them share ideas and recognize their contributions.
- Meeting with an S-Style: Create a comfortable vibe. Ask if they have any concerns and give them space to talk. Go at a steady pace and focus on teamwork.
- Meeting with a C-Style: Provide data and details. Let them know topics ahead of time if possible. Be open to their questions and respect their need for accuracy.
Tip: Try adjusting just one thing in your next meeting based on what you think someone’s DISC style might be. Notice if the conversation flows more smoothly.
How DISC Changes the Way You Listen
Listening is a big part of any 1:1, but DISC gives you a cheat sheet for what to pay attention to. For example, if someone is detail-oriented, you’ll want to listen for the specifics they bring up. If they’re more energetic and people-focused, be ready to hear lots of ideas-sometimes all at once!
- D-Style: Listen for their focus on results or new challenges.
- I-Style: Listen for enthusiasm and personal stories.
- S-Style: Listen for worries about change or the team’s well-being.
- C-Style: Listen for questions about process and data.
Next Step: In your next 1:1, jot down one thing your team member seems to care about most. Use that as a follow-up in your next meeting.
DISC for Managers: Small Changes, Big Results
The best part about using DISC is that it doesn’t take a ton of time or effort. If you’re a leader in Mastic and regularly travel to places like Shirley, Patchogue, or Centereach for team meetings, you can apply these tweaks anywhere you go. People notice when you adjust your style for them-they feel respected and heard.
- Better conversations: People open up faster when you meet them where they are.
- Smoother communication: You’ll spend less time repeating yourself or clearing up confusion.
- Faster decisions: When you give each style what they need, you get to the point (or the solution) quicker.
- Stronger relationships: Your team will trust you more when they see you care about how they work best.
Action: Pick one DISC tweak from this article and put it into practice this week. Then, check in with yourself-did your 1:1 feel easier or more productive?
Bringing It All Together
Using DISC in your 1:1s is about making small, thoughtful changes that show your team you care. Whether you’re meeting face-to-face in Mastic, or driving out to Coram or Patchogue, these tweaks can make your meetings more personal and productive. The key is to be aware, be flexible, and keep experimenting with what works for each person. Over time, these little adjustments add up to a team that communicates better, gets more done, and enjoys working together.
Final Tip: Make a note in your calendar after each 1:1 about what worked and what didn’t. Over time, you’ll have a playbook that’s customized for your team-no matter where you meet.