How to Get Every Personality Style Talking (and Listening) in Your Meetings
Meetings can bring out the best – or the worst – in communication. If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem tuned out or why your message doesn’t always land, you’re not alone. The DISC model gives you a practical way to reach everyone at the table, no matter their personality style. By speaking each person’s language, you can make your meetings in Santa Clarita – and wherever your team travels, from Burbank to Glendale, Pasadena, Valencia, or Palmdale – a lot more productive and even enjoyable.
DISC in Meetings: What It Means for You
The DISC model breaks down communication styles into four main types: D (Dominance), I (Influence), S (Steadiness), and C (Conscientiousness). Understanding these styles helps you lead and participate in meetings where everyone feels heard. This isn’t just theory – it’s a practical way to improve teamwork, leadership, and even those tricky moments when opinions clash.
- D Style: Direct, gets to the point fast, likes results.
- I Style: Outgoing, enjoys group input, likes enthusiasm.
- S Style: Calm, prefers clear plans, values harmony.
- C Style: Detail-oriented, needs data, wants accuracy.
Key takeaway: When you know who’s who, you can adjust how you share information. Meetings run smoother, and you leave with more buy-in and fewer misunderstandings.
How to Speak So Each DISC Style Actually Hears You
Each DISC style filters your message in a unique way. Here’s how to tailor your approach so every participant feels included and motivated to contribute.
- For D Styles: Be brief and get to the bottom line. Let them know what needs to be done and what results are at stake. Open with action steps and save the backstory for later.
- For I Styles: Share ideas with energy and encourage group discussion. Recognize their contributions. Use stories or real-life examples that engage their imagination.
- For S Styles: Provide a clear agenda. Explain changes or new directions with patience. Ask for their opinions in a way that feels supportive, not rushed.
- For C Styles: Come prepared with facts, figures, and detailed plans. Give them time to process information and ask questions. Avoid putting them on the spot without warning.
Try this: Before your next meeting, review the agenda and think through which styles will be present. Add one or two sentences or a quick summary for each style in your talking points.
Make Meetings Work for Every Style
When you put DISC into action, your meetings become more inclusive and effective. Here are a few ways to try it out right away:
- Mix up your communication: Use both big-picture overviews and detailed explanations.
- Encourage participation: Invite both quick feedback and thoughtful, written responses.
- Follow up: Summarize decisions and next steps in writing for those who prefer time to reflect.
- Check in: Ask if the format is working for everyone and be open to tweaking your approach.
Next step: At your next team huddle, test out one new approach for each DISC style and notice who responds best. Over time, you’ll find your flow – and your team will appreciate the effort.
Practical Tips for Santa Clarita Teams on the Move
Whether your meetings are in Santa Clarita or you’re heading to nearby Burbank for a project, connecting with a client in Pasadena, collaborating with colleagues in Glendale, networking in Valencia, or checking in with your Palmdale branch, DISC strategies travel well. The more you practice, the easier it gets to adjust your message and tone, no matter where you are or who’s at the table.
- Heading to Burbank? Bring a concise agenda for D types and a few ice-breakers for I types.
- Meeting folks from Glendale? Share clear plans and written follow-ups for S and C styles.
- On the road to Pasadena or Valencia? Take a moment to understand how each person likes to communicate – it saves time and builds trust.
- Working with Palmdale partners? Mix group discussion with one-on-one check-ins to keep everyone engaged.
Action item: Start each offsite or virtual meeting with a quick pulse check – ask how people prefer to receive updates or feedback. It shows respect and builds stronger working relationships, whether you’re across town or across the county.
Bringing It All Together
Understanding and using DISC in your meetings is about more than just theory – it’s about making every voice count. When you take a few minutes to adjust your approach, you show your team that you care about how they work and communicate. That’s how you build trust, cut down on confusion, and get better results – in Santa Clarita or wherever your work takes you.
Try this today: Pick one DISC style you sometimes overlook and try tailoring your message to them in your next meeting. You’ll notice the difference right away.