How You Can Blend DISC Styles for Better Teams
If you work in or around Sonoma, you know that every team is a little bit different. Whether you’re meeting folks from Petaluma at a wine event, heading up to Santa Rosa for a big project, or collaborating with partners from Napa, Rohnert Park, or Novato, you see a mix of personalities. This is where understanding DISC styles really pays off. Knowing how to blend different DISC personality types on your team can turn daily challenges into smoother teamwork-and maybe even make those meetings a little more fun.
DISC Styles: Why They Matter on Your Team
DISC is a simple model that helps you understand how people prefer to communicate and work. Here’s a quick rundown of the four main styles:
- D (Dominance): Direct, decisive, likes to get things done fast.
- I (Influence): Outgoing, enthusiastic, loves connecting with others.
- S (Steadiness): Patient, reliable, likes harmony and steady progress.
- C (Conscientiousness): Detail-oriented, analytical, values accuracy and quality.
Every team, whether you’re leading a tasting room in Sonoma or managing a nonprofit in Novato, has a mix of these styles. Recognizing and blending them can help you communicate better, solve problems faster, and build a more positive work environment.
Tip: Take a moment to think about who on your team matches each style. This is your first step to making DISC work for you.
How to Blend DISC Styles-And Actually Enjoy It
Blending different DISC styles isn’t just about “getting along.” It’s about using everyone’s strengths to get better results, whether you’re planning a festival with colleagues from Petaluma or working on a sales pitch for clients visiting from Napa.
- Balance the conversation. If you have a lot of D and I types, meetings may move quickly but miss important details. Invite S and C types to weigh in before final decisions.
- Play to strengths. S types often keep things steady during busy seasons, while I types can energize a team during brainstorming. C types catch mistakes others might overlook, and D types push everyone to keep moving forward.
- Mix up your communication. Send meeting notes for the C and S folks who like to review details. Keep discussions open and upbeat for the I types, and get straight to the bottom line for the D types.
Takeaway: Adjusting your approach-even just a little-can help every style feel valued.
Practical Ways to Use DISC on Your Team
Teams in Sonoma and nearby areas like Santa Rosa or Napa have found these strategies work especially well:
- Role play real scenarios. Try switching roles in a meeting or project. Give your D a chance to lead a discussion, then let your S organize the follow-up. This builds empathy for each other’s strengths and challenges.
- Check in regularly. During busy times, like harvest season or major events, short check-ins help everyone stay connected. Ask each team member what support they need based on their DISC style.
- Celebrate differences. Whether your team is from Sonoma, Rohnert Park, or Novato, call out how different styles made your last win possible-maybe your C caught a big oversight, or your I brought in a new client.
Suggested next step: At your next team meeting, ask each person to share one thing that helps them do their best work. You’ll quickly see how DISC styles show up.
What to Watch for When Blending Styles
Sometimes, differences can cause misunderstandings. Maybe your D is frustrated by too much discussion, or your I feels left out if the team is all business. Here’s how you can prevent issues before they start:
- Set clear expectations. Clarify who’s doing what and when decisions will be made. This helps D and C types feel comfortable, while S and I types appreciate knowing what’s next.
- Encourage open feedback. Let everyone know it’s okay to speak up in their own way. I types might need encouragement to focus, while C types appreciate time to process before responding.
- Rotate team roles. Give everyone a chance to lead, organize, or brainstorm. This builds respect and shows that all styles matter.
Tip: If you notice the same issues popping up, take a DISC assessment as a team and talk through the results together.
Blending DISC Styles Is Worth It
Whether you’re based in Sonoma or making the short drive from Napa, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Novato, or Rohnert Park, blending DISC styles helps you build teams that get results-and enjoy working together. You’ll see fewer misunderstandings, more creative ideas, and a stronger sense of trust.
Final takeaway: Start small. Pick one DISC strategy to try this week, and watch how your team responds. You might be surprised at how much smoother things can run when everyone feels understood and included.