Coaching Your Team with DISC: Building Trust, One Conversation at a Time
If you’re leading a team, you know that coaching people isn’t just about targets and deadlines. It’s about building trust, keeping folks motivated, and helping everyone work better together. The DISC model can make all of that a lot easier. Here’s how you can use DISC to coach your team in a way that feels both human and practical-no matter if you’re based in Sweetwater or rolling in from Abilene, Big Spring, Snyder, Lubbock, or Midland.
DISC: A Simple Way to Understand Your Team
The DISC model breaks down how people tend to act and communicate. You don’t need a psychology degree-just a willingness to notice what makes your team tick. DISC focuses on four main styles:
- D (Dominance): Likes results, fast decisions, and direct talk.
- I (Influence): Brings energy, talks things through, loves new ideas.
- S (Steadiness): Values teamwork, patience, and steady progress.
- C (Conscientiousness): Wants details, accuracy, and well-thought-out plans.
Don’t worry-nobody fits just one style all the time. Most folks show a mix, and that’s what makes your team interesting. Your job as a coach is to spot these styles and use them to guide your conversations.
Tip: Listen for the words your team uses. Are they all about “results” and “goals”? Or do they talk more about “teamwork” and “support”? These clues help you coach each person the way they understand best.
How to Coach with DISC: Real-World Moves
Coaching with DISC isn’t about handing out labels. It’s about real conversations and practical steps. Here’s how you can put it to work right away:
- Use the Right Approach: If you’re talking to someone who likes details, bring facts and examples. For someone who wants quick wins, cut to the chase and keep it brief.
- Set Clear Goals Together: Some people want to know exactly what’s expected. Others like a bit of freedom to figure things out. Adjust how you set goals so everyone feels like they can succeed.
- Give Feedback That Sticks: Don’t just say “good job”-tell them what worked, and connect it to their natural strengths. For tough feedback, focus on growth, not just what went wrong.
- Keep Communication Open: Encourage folks to share what’s on their mind. Ask questions that draw out their thoughts, especially if someone tends to keep quiet in meetings.
Takeaway: Start your next one-on-one by asking, “How do you like to get feedback?” or “What helps you feel supported at work?” You’ll set the stage for a more honest and productive talk.
DISC Coaching in Everyday Team Life
Coaching isn’t only for formal reviews or big projects. Using DISC in your daily routine makes a difference in how your team shows up for each other. Here are ways you can use DISC every day:
- Run Smoother Meetings: If you know who likes to jump in and who prefers to listen, you can make sure everyone’s voice is heard.
- Handle Conflict with Confidence: Instead of letting small disagreements simmer, you can step in early and help folks see each other’s point of view-without taking sides.
- Help People Grow: When you know what motivates each team member, you can connect them with projects or roles that play to their strengths.
Tip: After a meeting, ask your team, “Was there anything we could have done to make this smoother?” Their answers will help you fine-tune your approach using DISC.
DISC in Action: From Sweetwater to Nearby Towns
Whether your team is based in Sweetwater or you’re coaching folks who drive in from Abilene, Big Spring, Snyder, Lubbock, or Midland, DISC works just as well. You don’t need fancy tools-just a willingness to listen and try new approaches. People in these parts value straightforward talk and real results, so DISC coaching fits right in.
- If your team gathers after a long drive, start with a quick check-in that matches their style: some will want to jump into the agenda, others need a moment to connect.
- Use what you know about each person’s DISC profile when you’re planning projects or pairing people up for tasks. This helps prevent misunderstandings and keeps things running smoothly.
- When you bring new folks on board from neighboring towns, use the DISC assessment to help everyone get to know each other quicker.
Next step: Try a DISC personality assessment with your team this month. Use the results to shape how you coach, assign projects, and run meetings. You’ll see stronger communication right away-no matter where your team calls home.