Tiny Changes to Your 1:1s That Make a Big Difference With DISC
If you’re managing a team, you already know that one-on-one meetings are where the magic happens-when things go right. But it’s easy for these meetings to turn into status updates, awkward silences, or even tense conversations. The DISC model offers a simple way to make small tweaks to your approach, so your 1:1s feel more productive, personal, and less stressful for everyone.
DISC Basics: Why It Matters in Your Meetings
DISC is a personality assessment that helps you understand how you and your team members prefer to communicate, make decisions, and handle challenges. Each person’s DISC profile falls into one (or a mix) of four styles: Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Conscientiousness. When you know these styles, you can tailor your approach in meetings-sometimes with just a word or two-to help people feel understood and motivated.
- Dominance: Prefers directness, quick decisions, and results.
- Influence: Enjoys conversation, recognition, and big-picture thinking.
- Steadiness: Values stability, listening, and steady progress.
- Conscientiousness: Looks for details, accuracy, and clear expectations.
Takeaway: Start by noticing these styles in your team. Even before formal DISC training, see what cues you can pick up in your next 1:1.
Small Tweaks That Make 1:1s More Effective
Once you’ve got a sense of your team’s DISC profiles, you can make tiny-but powerful-adjustments to your meetings. Here’s how:
- For Dominance: Cut to the chase. Open with the main point, set a goal for the meeting, and keep things moving. Try, “What’s the most important thing on your plate this week?”
- For Influence: Start with a warm check-in. Ask about their weekend, and give space for them to brainstorm. Try, “What new ideas are you excited about?”
- For Steadiness: Offer reassurance and routine. Let them know what to expect, and ask how they’re handling changes. Try, “How are you adjusting to the new process?”
- For Conscientiousness: Be clear and organized. Provide an agenda in advance and recap next steps at the end. Try, “Do you have any questions about the details?”
Tip: Adapt just one question or your meeting structure based on your team member’s style. Notice how the conversation flows differently.
Real-World Examples for Busy Managers
DISC isn’t about creating more work. It’s about making your everyday routines-like 1:1s-work better. Here are some practical examples:
- Status Updates: For a Dominance style, focus on outcomes. For Steadiness, highlight progress and support.
- Feedback: With Influence, give feedback in a positive, encouraging way. For Conscientiousness, be specific and offer clear examples.
- Goal Setting: For Steadiness, break big goals down into smaller, steady steps. For Dominance, connect goals to big wins.
Next Step: Before your next 1:1, jot down your team member’s likely DISC style and plan one small change to your approach.
Benefits You’ll Notice Right Away
When you make these simple adjustments, you’ll see:
- Less confusion-everyone knows what’s expected
- More engagement-meetings feel more personal and relevant
- Bolder conversations-people open up and share more
- Improved performance-goals and feedback stick better
Takeaway: These benefits show up fast when you meet people where they are, using DISC insights.
DISC is for Managers on the Go
If you manage teams in Yorba Linda or travel around nearby areas like Anaheim, Brea, Fullerton, Placentia, or Orange, you know every team has its own style. Whether you’re chatting over coffee in downtown Yorba Linda or catching up with your team after a conference in Anaheim, DISC gives you the tools to connect quickly and effectively-no matter where you are.
- Heading to a leadership summit in Fullerton? Use DISC to break the ice in networking sessions.
- Running a team-building event in Brea? Bring DISC activities to boost trust and understanding.
- Checking in with remote staff in Orange? Tailor your video calls using DISC strategies.
Tip: Pack a quick DISC cheat sheet for your next team meeting in any city-it’ll help you connect with colleagues from Yorba Linda to Placentia and beyond.
Start Small, See Big Results
You don’t need to overhaul your whole management style to see the benefits of DISC. Try making just one change in your next 1:1-whether it’s the way you ask questions, give feedback, or set goals. With DISC, these tiny tweaks can lead to stronger connections, smoother conversations, and better outcomes for your team.
Action step: Pick one team member, think about their DISC style, and adjust your next meeting approach. Watch how even a small change can make your 1:1s more productive and meaningful.