Your Office Party Personality, According to Your DISC Style

The office Christmas party is that time of year when you get to see your co-workers in a new light. Some people might surprise you with how they let loose and reveal what they’re like outside of work. But what’s your office party personality, according to your DISC type? 

DISC is an acronym for four behavior styles in the workplace: Drive, Influence, Support and Clarity. You can find out what your DISC style is, then read on to learn how to make the most of yours at this year’s office bash.

Drive types: The over competitor 

Drive types are known for their ambitious, hard-working behavior. You're the person everyone wants on their team because you get things done. You chase goals and you have a strong need to be recognized for your efforts. You love being in the spotlight and getting praised. Guess what? For you, the office party is a great opportunity to shamelessly impress! 

As a workaholic go-getter, you might arrive late because you’ve been holed up in your office, wrapping up work before the holidays. But once inside, you’re the engine that drives the party. Your relentless pursuit of achievement doesn't stop when you step out of your work boots and into the party shoes. You might not socialize as much as network – because you’re always looking for opportunities to out-compete and propel yourself up the corporate ladder. Dance battle anyone?

Party tips for D-types:

• Try to switch off those work impulses and relax. An office party is the perfect opportunity to drop your work persona and show your colleagues that you can have fun, too. So let loose and enjoy! 
• Stop networking, start connecting. Open up about your holiday plans or what you're looking forward to in the new year. You might connect with people in new, surprising ways.

Influence type: The social butterfly 

Influence types are the energetic motivators of their work teams, always on hand for a pep talk or a joke to boost morale. You love to be the center of attention and are never short on charisma. Your upbeat attitude will light up any room you walk into – and you'll definitely take your office party as an opportunity to shine!

As an Influence type, your social skills are second to none. When it’s party time, you’ll try to chat with as many new people as you can, from different departments in the company. Unlike the Drive type, you’re not in networking mode – you're doing this because you love making new friends and having a good time. Your co-workers shouldn’t be surprised if you drag them onto the dance floor (and yes, it was your idea to have a dance floor). 

Party tips for I-Types: 

• Tread carefully around gossip. Influence types build connections quickly, but out-of-hours socializing can come with some risks. When caught up in the fun, it’s easy to spill the tea on gossip, but it can earn you a bad reputation that follows you back into the office. 
• Don’t try too hard to get everyone excited. Not everyone is as enthusiastic about the office party as you are, but don’t let that hold you back from having fun. 

Support type: The party peacemaker 

The Support type's motto is, “There’s no ‘I’ in team.” You feel best when working with others instead of on your own. You want justice and fairness in the workplace; you like it when everyone’s opinions are heard. People love having you around because you’re patient and tactful. You know how to communicate with others so that everyone leaves a meeting or discussion feeling positive. 

At the office Christmas party, you will be friends with everyone. You’ll whisk from one person to the next, being friendly and charming without trying to hog the spotlight. You’re also the person who’ll step in to help if things get out of hand, like if someone needs a shoulder to cry on after four tequila shots too many.

Party tips for S-types: 

• Set healthy boundaries. Because it’s the office party, you shouldn’t take on too many tasks because extending yourself can make you feel burned out. Say no if you don’t want to go from the office party to the new club opening across town.
• Speak up about what you want. Suppose your employer allows staff to contribute ideas for the upcoming office party. In that case, it’s useful to share your opinions so you also get to enjoy a party that appeals to you, instead of just following the crowd.

Clarity type: The inquisitive observer  

Clarity types are the thinkers and analysts of the DISC personality system. You have high standards for yourself and others, and a great attention to detail. At work, you are precise and highly organized. Chances are your colleagues walk past your office and are amazed by how tidy it looks.

That meticulous attention to detail doesn't disappear when you're off the clock. You'll notice when the decorations are crooked (and grab a stapler to fix it). You'll notice if things are getting messy and someone's drinking too much (and make sure to intervene). But although you have good intentions about perfecting the party details, this could be a ruse to help you feel like less of a wallflower. It gives you something to do so you don’t get dragged into awkward conversations. 

Party tips for C-types:

• Reduce feelings of stress. Although you might be seen as unapproachable at times, don’t let that make you feel pressure to be the life of the party. It’s better to do what feels comfortable for you. 

• Set some goals beforehand. Since you’re motivated by setting goals, this can help you feel more enthusiastic about attending the office party. Maybe your goal can be to challenge yourself to speak to new people, even if you’re afraid of rejection. 

Final Thoughts

Office Christmas parties are like watching a live theater performance, where the characters from the DISC personality system play their parts to perfection. Drive types swap their power suits for dance battles, Influence types flit from one conversation to another, Support types ensure everyone is having a good time, and Clarity types observe, analyze, and reluctantly engage in the fun. It's a fascinating interlude from the regular workday rhythm and testament to the diversity that makes up your workplace. So here's to the office Christmas party – a celebration that's as unique, complex, and entertaining as the people who make it up!