How DISC Can Make Your 1:1 Meetings Smoother and More Productive
If you’re a manager in Rossmoor or nearby areas like Los Alamitos, Cypress, Seal Beach, Lakewood, or Long Beach, you already know that running 1:1 meetings can be a mixed bag. Sometimes they flow, other times you’re left wondering if you really connected. The DISC model gives you practical tweaks you can use right away to make your 1:1s more relaxed, more productive, and a lot less stressful for everyone involved.
What Is DISC and Why Should You Care?
DISC is a simple way to understand how people prefer to communicate and work. It stands for:
- Dominance – Direct, results-focused, likes action
- Influence – Social, optimistic, enjoys interaction
- Steadiness – Calm, dependable, values harmony
- Conscientiousness – Analytical, careful, needs details
As a manager, knowing your own DISC style-and spotting your team members’ styles-means you can adjust your approach in every meeting. This isn’t about being someone you’re not. It’s about making tiny, thoughtful changes to help people feel heard and understood.
Takeaway: When you use DISC, you’re not guessing how to connect with your team. You’re using a proven approach that fits real people.
Quick Tweaks for Better 1:1s Using DISC
Everyone wants meetings that run on time, cover what matters, and leave people feeling good about the next steps. Here’s how you can use DISC to get there:
- With a Dominance style (D): Get to the point quickly. Focus on results and solutions. Skip the small talk and respect their time.
- With an Influence style (I): Start with a friendly tone. Share positive feedback. Allow some open conversation before moving to action items.
- With a Steadiness style (S): Take a steady pace. Show you care about their well-being. Give them space to ask questions.
- With a Conscientiousness style (C): Be ready with data and details. Explain the “why” behind decisions. Allow time for them to process and ask specific questions.
These tweaks are easy to put into practice and can change the tone of your meetings right away.
Tip: Before your next 1:1, think about the person’s likely DISC style and try just one adjustment. Notice the difference in how the meeting feels.
Real-World Examples of DISC in 1:1 Meetings
DISC isn’t just theory-it shows up in everyday conversations. For example:
- If you’re meeting with someone who likes to get things done fast, try starting the meeting with, “What’s the most important thing you want to cover today?”
- For a team member who enjoys chatting, open with, “How’s your week going?” before shifting to business.
- If your employee prefers a slower pace, check in with, “Is there anything on your mind before we review our list?”
- When working with someone who loves data, say, “I have the performance numbers ready-do you want to walk through them together?”
These small changes help your people feel comfortable and respected, which leads to better conversations and more honest feedback.
Next Step: Try tailoring your opening question in your next 1:1 to match the person’s style.
How DISC Training Supports Managers in Your Area
If you work in Rossmoor and travel to places like Los Alamitos, Cypress, Seal Beach, Lakewood, or Long Beach for meetings or team events, DISC training can help you adapt your approach across different teams and departments. You’ll find that people in each office or branch might have their own pace and communication style-even within the same company. DISC gives you the tools to read those cues and adjust quickly, whether you’re chatting over coffee in Lakewood or leading a video call from Seal Beach.
Suggestion: If you’re managing teams across different locations, use DISC language in your everyday communication. It builds trust and helps teams feel understood, no matter where they’re based.
Your Next Move: Make One Small Change
The next time you head into a 1:1, pick one DISC tweak to try. Maybe you’ll get straight to the point, ask a more open question, or bring an extra chart. These tiny changes can help your meetings feel more natural and productive. If you want to go deeper, consider taking a DISC assessment or signing up for a DISC workshop for managers. You’ll get practical tips you can use right away-right here in your area.
Takeaway: Small, thoughtful changes in your 1:1 meetings add up. With DISC, you’ve got a tool that helps you and your team work better together, no matter where you’re meeting.