From Frustration to Flow: DiSC® Strategies for Smarter Meetings

Understanding How Different DiSC® Styles Engage in Meetings

We’ve all sat in meetings wondering why one person won’t stop talking, another is glued to the agenda, someone else is quietly taking it all in, and another just wants to get out of there. It's not that anyone's doing it wrong, they’re just bringing their DiSC® style to the table. DiSC® is a simple but powerful tool for understanding workplace behaviours. In meetings, knowing how each style prefers to engage can make the difference between frustration and flow.

Dominance (D) styles are straight shooters. They like to get right to the point and focus on big-picture goals and results. Long-winded updates or meandering discussions? That’s not their cup of tea. They’re efficient, decisive, and brilliant at keeping things on track. But they can come across as a bit blunt if they’re not careful. Endless meetings with no clear purpose? Expect visible impatience.

Influence (i) styles bring energy to the room. They love a good brainstorm and genuinely enjoy connecting with people. They’re outgoing, inclusive, and keep morale high. However, they might go off-topic or bring too much social energy to a serious meeting. When meetings feel flat or overly structured, they’ll switch off mentally, if not physically.

Steadiness (S) styles are the calm in the room. They take their time, listen well, and value harmony. They’re thoughtful, collaborative, and help others feel heard. But they may be slow to share their own views, especially in tense or high-conflict settings. Rapid back-and-forths or confrontational discussions can wear them down fast.

Conscientiousness (C) styles like their ducks in a row. They want information to be clear, logical, and well thought out. They're analytical, precise, and often catch what others miss. But spontaneity can rattle them, and they may hesitate to speak up if they’re unsure. Loosely structured or chaotic meetings can leave them feeling drained.

The beauty of DiSC® is that it helps us see these differences not as faults, but as strengths, when understood and respected. The more we can tune into each other’s preferences, the more productive (and less painful) our meetings will be. So next time you're planning a team session, spare a thought for the DiSC® styles in the room. A little awareness can go a long way.

DiSC® Styles in Meetings Cheat Sheet

Dominance (D)

They like to get right to the point and focus on big-picture goals and results.

Efficient, straightforward, keeps things on track.

May come across as blunt or ignore input.

Worn out by long, unfocused meetings. Visible impatience.

Influence (i)

They enjoy participating by verbalising and brainstorming with others.

Outgoing, enthusiastic, inclusive.

May bring too much social energy or go off-topic.

Wear out from meetings lacking energy or human connection.

Steadiness (S)

They take the time to listen and engage in collaborative discussions.

Calm, thoughtful, good communicator.

May hold back their opinion or struggle with rapid change.

Tense or meetings with lots of conflict can drain them and make them feel uncomfortable.

Conscientiousness (C)

They analyze information and consider ideas before responding.

Logical, precise, finds flaws in ideas.

May overanalyse, hesitant with uncertainty.

Lose focus in unstructured or spontaneous meetings.