Tiny DISC Tweaks for Managers: Make Every 1:1 Count
If you manage a team, you know how important your 1:1s are. But even with the best intentions, these meetings can sometimes feel flat or miss the mark. The DISC model gives you a practical way to adjust your approach-just a little-so you connect better with each person, get more done, and leave everyone feeling heard.
What DISC Really Means for Your 1:1s
The DISC model breaks down how people prefer to communicate and work. In every team, you’ll find folks who are direct, those who like details, people who crave harmony, and others who love new ideas. If you know a bit about each style, you can tweak how you run your 1:1s for better results-without overhauling your entire playbook.
- D (Dominance): Values efficiency and results. Prefers clear, direct conversations.
- I (Influence): Energized by collaboration and recognition. Likes open, upbeat discussions.
- S (Steadiness): Wants stability and support. Thrives on thoughtful, steady dialogue.
- C (Conscientiousness): Seeks accuracy and quality. Wants organized, detail-oriented meetings.
Takeaway: Spotting DISC styles helps you tailor every 1:1-no extra meetings required.
Practical Tweaks You Can Use Right Away
Once you’ve got a sense of each team member’s DISC profile, these small adjustments make all the difference in your next 1:1:
- For D types: Get to the point, share key outcomes, and keep it brisk. They’ll appreciate your respect for their time.
- For I types: Start with a quick personal check-in, show genuine excitement, and let them share ideas.
- For S types: Leave space for questions, emphasize support, and avoid sudden changes in agenda.
- For C types: Provide data or examples, clarify next steps, and stick to a clear structure.
Tip: Keep a quick note on each person’s style. Refer back before each meeting to refresh your approach.
Real Benefits You’ll Notice Fast
Once you start using DISC insights, your 1:1s will start to feel different-people open up, share more, and stay engaged. Here’s what you can expect:
- Shorter, more focused meetings
- Less talking in circles-more action
- Team members who feel seen and understood
- Fewer misunderstandings and smoother follow-ups
Next step: After your next 1:1, jot down what worked and what you’d tweak. You’ll spot patterns in no time.
DISC in Action: Common 1:1 Scenarios
Think about your last handful of meetings. Chances are, you’ve had:
- A team member who only wants high-level updates
- Someone who needs to talk through every detail
- Folks who want reassurance before trying something new
- Colleagues who light up when you ask for their opinion
Matching your DISC approach to these moments keeps everyone moving forward, no matter their style.
Try this: Ask, “What’s one thing that would make our 1:1s more helpful for you?” Their answer gives you a DISC clue and a place to start.
DISC for Managers Traveling Around Your Area
Managing teams isn’t limited to the office. If you travel between Scarsdale and nearby spots like White Plains, Yonkers, Dobbs Ferry, Mount Vernon, or New Rochelle, you know every location has its own flavor. Whether you’re grabbing coffee near the Metro-North in White Plains or heading to a client meeting in Yonkers, your DISC insights move with you. Adjusting your style-even slightly-shows you respect the unique pace and personality of each person you meet, no matter where work takes you.
Tip: Before heading out to a new location, review your notes on your team members’ DISC styles. A quick refresher helps you show up your best-wherever the meeting happens.
Take the Next Step with DISC
You don’t need a full personality report to get started. Even asking a few questions or noticing how people like to communicate can help you make better use of every 1:1. If you want to go deeper, a DISC assessment or a DISC workshop can give you and your team in Scarsdale even more practical tools for communication, leadership, and teamwork.
- Keep meetings short and focused for D styles
- Bring positive energy for I styles
- Show support for S styles
- Offer structure for C styles
Start with one small tweak in your next meeting and watch how quickly things improve. DISC is about meeting people where they are-so you can all move forward, together.