Make Your 1:1 Meetings Better With DISC for Managers
If you manage people, you know how important 1:1 meetings are for keeping your team on track. But it’s easy for these check-ins to become routine or miss the mark. The DISC model gives you a practical way to make small changes that lead to stronger conversations, better feedback, and real growth. Whether you’re meeting with team members in person or over video, a few tweaks can take your management style to the next level.
What DISC Means for How You Manage
DISC is a personality assessment that helps you understand communication styles-yours and your team’s. The four main styles are:
- Dominance (D): Direct, assertive, and results-focused
- Influence (I): Outgoing, enthusiastic, and people-oriented
- Steadiness (S): Supportive, patient, and dependable
- Conscientiousness (C): Analytical, detail-focused, and cautious
Knowing your DISC profile-and your team’s-lets you tailor your approach. Instead of a one-size-fits-all meeting, you can make tiny adjustments that boost trust and keep each conversation productive.
Tip: Start by taking a DISC assessment yourself. This sets the stage for understanding how your natural style shows up in meetings.
How Small Changes Make a Big Difference in 1:1s
Here’s how you can use DISC insights to improve your 1:1s right away:
- For D types: Be brief, focus on results, and avoid small talk. Get to the point and let them know what’s expected.
- For I types: Open with casual conversation and recognize their contributions. Bring energy and encourage new ideas.
- For S types: Create a calm environment, show appreciation, and give them time to share. Avoid rushing through the agenda.
- For C types: Share data ahead of time, focus on details, and answer questions clearly. Be prepared for follow-ups.
These may sound like small tweaks, but they help every meeting feel more personal and effective.
Try this: Before your next 1:1, jot down your team member’s likely DISC style and prep a question or two that fits their approach.
DISC in Action: Real-Life Adjustments
Managers across the area-whether you’re grabbing coffee after work or catching up after a Rivercats game-have seen how DISC training makes a difference. Here’s what practical tweaks look like:
- If your direct report is detail-oriented, send the agenda a day early.
- If they’re big on collaboration, dedicate time to brainstorm together.
- If they prefer quick, focused talks, set a timer and stick to the essentials.
Next step: Pick one person on your team and use a DISC-based question in your next meeting. Notice how their response changes.
Why DISC Training Makes Managing Easier
You want every team member to feel heard and understood, whether you’re meeting in bustling coffee shops or after a long day at the office. DISC training gives you the tools to:
- Understand your strengths and challenges as a manager
- Recognize what motivates each person on your team
- Communicate feedback in a way that lands well
- Cut down on misunderstandings and repeated issues
- Build real trust that spills over into team meetings
Takeaway: The more you use DISC, the easier it gets to know what works for each team member. You’ll see stronger relationships-and less confusion.
Traveling for DISC Workshops Near You
If you’re based in Rancho Cordova and looking to boost your team’s communication, DISC workshops are easy to reach. Professionals often travel from nearby areas like:
- Arden-Arcade
- Folsom
- Elk Grove
- Roseville
- Carmichael
It’s common to see local managers sharing insights at workshops, trading tips over coffee, or meeting up after work for more learning. Many find that a short drive or a quick meet-up in a nearby area is all it takes to bring new energy to their management style.
Suggestion: Pick a workshop in a spot that’s easy for you and your team to reach. The shared experience can spark new conversations-and help your team grow together.
Start With One Change This Week
You don’t have to overhaul your whole approach to see results. Choose one DISC-inspired tweak for your next 1:1. Maybe it’s asking a detail-oriented team member to review an agenda, or bringing more energy to your check-ins with outgoing staff. It’s these small, thoughtful changes that help you lead with confidence.
Take that first step and watch your meetings get easier-and more productive-right away.