How to Get Everyone Listening in Your Meetings Using DISC
If you’ve ever sat in a meeting where it felt like people were talking past each other, you’re not alone. Whether you’re gathering in Seaside or taking a quick drive from Marina, Pacific Grove, Monterey, Salinas, or Watsonville, you know how important it is to make every minute count. That’s where DISC comes in. By understanding DISC personality styles, you can speak in a way that actually lands with everyone in the room.
DISC Styles: Four Ways People Listen and Respond
DISC is a simple model that sorts people into four main styles based on how they communicate and interact:
- D (Dominance): Direct, quick, and focused on results.
- I (Influence): Outgoing, enthusiastic, and people-oriented.
- S (Steadiness): Patient, calm, and team-focused.
- C (Conscientiousness): Analytical, detail-oriented, and careful.
Every style has strengths and wants something different from a meeting. Your job as a leader or team member is to tune in and speak their language. When you do, meetings start to feel shorter, more productive, and definitely less stressful.
Takeaway: Know the four styles and start spotting them in your meetings. Awareness is your first step to better communication.
How to Speak So Each DISC Style Feels Heard
Once you know the styles, you can adjust how you talk, lead, and share ideas. Here’s how:
- For D-types: Get to the point. Share the end goal, and avoid dragging things out. Use short, clear statements and offer choices so they feel in control.
- For I-types: Bring positive energy, stories, and people into the conversation. Allow space for brainstorming, and recognize their ideas. Make it interactive.
- For S-types: Provide a sense of stability and respect their need for time to process. Ask for their input and show you value collaboration. Avoid sudden changes without explanation.
- For C-types: Be prepared with facts, data, and logical reasons. Give them time to review details before making decisions. Avoid putting them on the spot without warning.
Tip: Before your next meeting, jot down a quick note: “What will each style want to hear or ask?” This helps you plan your message so it lands with everyone.
Real-World Meeting Examples with DISC
Meetings can be tricky, especially when you’re working with folks from all over, maybe someone who commutes from Pacific Grove or comes in from Salinas. Here’s how you might use DISC in action:
- Kicking off a new project: Open with the goal for D-types. Share how it’ll help the team for S-types. Add a creative twist for I-types. Outline the process for C-types.
- Resolving a disagreement: Let D-types share their take first. Encourage I-types to bring in big ideas. Ask S-types for input on how to keep the team working smoothly. Invite C-types to analyze the options and risks.
- Weekly check-ins: Keep updates brief for D-types. Let I-types celebrate wins. Offer reassurance to S-types about progress. Share clear numbers and reports for C-types.
Next step: Try prepping your next agenda with a DISC lens. What’s one tweak you can make to address everyone’s style?
Small Changes, Big Results
People in Seaside and nearby spots like Marina and Watsonville know how fast-paced work can get. But when you start speaking to each DISC style, you’ll notice:
- People engage more and check their phones less
- Decisions get made faster with less back-and-forth
- There’s less confusion and fewer follow-up emails
- Team members feel valued and understood
Tip: If you’re meeting with teams from different locations (like Monterey or Marina), send out a quick DISC cheat sheet. That way, everyone comes in ready to communicate more effectively.
How to Get Started with DISC in Your Meetings
If you’re curious about how DISC can transform your meetings, start small:
- Take a DISC assessment to find your style
- Share the basics with your team
- Practice adjusting your message in your next meeting
Whether you’re leading a discussion, running a project, or just want your voice to land, speaking to each DISC style makes a difference. It’s not about changing who you are-it’s about making sure you’re heard by everyone in the room, from Seaside to Salinas and beyond.
Immediate action: Try one DISC tip at your next meeting. Notice who responds and how the conversation shifts. You’ll be surprised how quickly things improve.