From my colleagues at PeopleKeys: Gift-giving and recognition are challenging even in the best circumstances: budgets vary and preferences are unpredictable. And despite your best intentions, generic, one-size-fits-all gifts can sometimes fall flat.
Employees don’t all feel valued in the same way. Some crave meaningful conversation; others love public recognition. Some appreciate a gesture that is fun or festive; others want something practical and useful. When we try to appreciate everyone in the same way, we risk missing what matters most to each person.
DISC takes the guesswork out of that process. It helps us understand what motivates each team member, and which gestures feel genuinely thoughtful to them. During a season centered on generosity and connection, that kind of insight is a leadership gift in itself. Here is a holiday-ready guide to showing appreciation for each style.
Appreciating the D Style: Give it to them straight (and make it useful)
D personality style employees are driven, decisive, and goal-oriented. They want results, not fluff.
What they’ll appreciate:
A high-quality tool, resource, or gadget that genuinely improves their workflow, a gift card that lets them choose what’s most valuable, or direct, concise appreciation: “Your leadership this quarter made X possible.”
Appreciating the I Style: Make It Fun, Festive, and Full of Connection. I personalities thrive on energy, enthusiasm, and social engagement.
What they’ll appreciate: Experiences: tickets, outings, creative workshops, and holiday events, colorful or fun gifts that show personality, or public praise during a holiday gathering or team meeting.
Appreciating the S Style: Thoughtful, Personal, and Heartfelt Wins Every Time.
What they’ll appreciate: A cozy, comforting gift (a blanket, a set with their favorite tea or coffee, a plant, etc.), a heartfelt handwritten card acknowledging their consistency and teamwork, or a one-on-one moment of appreciation rather than public recognition.
Appreciating the C Style: Purposeful, Intelligent, and High-Quality Matters
C-styles are analytical, detail-driven, and thoughtful. They appreciate gifts that are useful, well-researched, or tied to their intellectual interests. Skip the gimmicks and gag gifts.
What they’ll appreciate: A high-quality pen set, planner, or organizational tool, books or subscriptions related to a topic they enjoy, or clear, specific appreciation outlining exactly what they did well.
Not Sure of Your Team’s Styles? This is the Perfect Time to Find Out.
If you’re unsure of the DISC styles on your team, consider hosting a team DISC workshop or year-end training. It’s a fun, energizing way to strengthen communication, deepen understanding, and equip your team with tools that serve them long after the holidays. DM me for more!
