The DISC Types of The Office Characters
Used in corporate America for decades, the DISC personality assessment is a professional development framework that can help you understand what drives you and others in the workplace. The term “DISC” is an acronym for the four basic behavior styles we all bring to work: Drive, Influence, Support and Clarity.
The DISC is a powerful tool that can help you find your ideal career and improve your communication, collaboration and productivity in the workplace, but if you’re thinking this all sounds a little too serious for right now: we got you. In this article, we’re breaking down the DISC types of characters in the most beloved workplace ensemble comedy of all time – The Office (sorry, Office Space, you were a close second).
So here, we go, with a somewhat tongue-in-cheek* breakdown of The Office characters by their DISC type.
*It should be noted that no actual human is this bad at leaning into their DISC blind spots in real life. That said, if you’ve encountered some, please let us know. Much like Michael Scott, we’ve always harbored the belief that we could write for television and we'd love to see the material!
Michael Scott - High I (Influence)
Michael Scott loves, no — physically craves — social recognition and group activities. He must be liked, at all costs, initiating constant pranks and a variety of foibles, all in the quest for admiration.
Like many Influence types, he thrives on being the center of attention and loves throwing parties and events, like the Dundies. He has an (overly) optimistic view of his relationships with his employees, and often tries to persuade them to join in his unconventional ideas (see: his enlisting Dwight in anything; the plot to convince Jim to "raid" the Utica branch).
Negative traits of Influence types include disorganization (see Michael’s cluttered office and nonsensical plans) and staying on task. Literally, every office initiative or gathering is hijacked by Michael’s weird ideas. Another negative trait is telling people what they want to hear (i.e. all those grade schoolers he said he would pay the college tuition for!) and bullying people who won’t go along with their schemes (we see you HR Toby).
Influence types are also emotionally expressive, whether it's crying over a breakup or showing extreme happiness when things go his way. In real life, Influence types tend to be persuasive and good at getting people to follow them, known for being motivational and giving good pep talks. Obviously, Michael Scott thinks he nails all of these things in his own mind, but really he is the most demotivating boss of all time. But we can’t say he is completely unsuccessful: he has influenced the heck out of Dwight.
Dwight Schrute - High C (Clarity)
Detail-oriented and focused on quality, Dwight is a Clarity DISC type. Clarity types thrive on data and minutiae and have distinct work styles – all seen in Dwight’s approach to his work at Dunder Mifflin and at his beet farm, where he is often citing facts and figures.
He follows rules, respects authority, and respects hierarchy (no matter how poor the decision-making from the guy at the top of the food chain). He is so eager to follow company rules, he even creates his own set of rules when he briefly becomes the manager. Dwight approaches problems with a logical mindset, often using elaborate schemes to achieve his goals.
Like many Clarity types, Dwight is much more task-oriented than people-oriented, as seen in his interactions with his coworkers, which are often awkward or abrasive (see starting a fire in the office as part of his fire safety demo; also: macing people).
Jim Halpert - High S (Support)
Like many of those with the Support DISC type, Jim is calm, patient and often the voice of reason in the office, maintaining his composure in chaotic situations. He is seen as a reliable coworker who is willing to help others, like when he supports Pam in her art endeavors. Support types can be resistant to change, as we see in Jim’s comfort with the status quo and his hesitancy to pursue career advancements or changes, despite the fact that he is working inside a madhouse.
Jim also values harmony in relationships and will go out his way to avoid conflict and maintain a peaceful work environment – a trait that is really put to the test at Dunder Mifflin.
Ryan Howard - High D (Drive)
A classic Drive type, Ryan is ambitious and driven, quickly rising from temp to executive and showing a strong desire to achieve and assert his authority. A blind spot of Drive types can be their lack of empathy and a willingness to manipulate others to get ahead, seen in his efforts to throw Jim under the bus, his ridicule of Michael and his final act – defrauding shareholders with fake numbers. His behavior is indicative of a high D personality who prioritizes results over relationships.
Drive types often exhibit overconfidence and a bold nature, as seen with Ryan after he rises from temp to getting the corporate job in New York. His tendency to take risks, like starting his own company or implementing the Dunder Mifflin Infinity website, showcases the innovative and challenge-seeking traits of a high D.
Pam Beesly - High S (Support)
Cooperative and accommodating, Pam is a classic Support type, often helping others in the office and willing to go along with group activities –no matter how humiliating, inane or sometimes dangerous (like when she agrees to walk across hot coals for Michael).
Like many Support types, Pam is driven by stability and security, demonstrated by the fact that she has stayed in her receptionist role for many years, hesitant to take risks until encouraged to do so by Jim. Pam is also attentive to the feelings of others, and often acts as a counselor to coworkers enduring the emotional terrorism wrought by Michael Scott.
Support types tend to dislike confrontation and, when not at their best, will let things bottle things up, then explode. Witness Pam’s wildin’ out at the Dundies and giving us this line: “God gave me this Dundie. I feel God in this Chili's tonight.”
Angela Martin - High C (Clarity)
Angela and Dwight’s romance is no surprise, as they are both two Clarity peas in a pod. Angela’s meticulous approach to her accounting work and her unrelenting critique of others' mistakes (dress code and otherwise) can be hallmarks of this type. Like other Clarity types, she prefers structure and organization. Her desk and personal life are highly organized, and she has a clear set of rules for her party planning committee.
With the obvious gap of Dwight, Angela, like other Clarity types, does not often share personal details about her life with coworkers and keeps her emotions under control.
Andy Bernard - High I (Influence)
Andy needs to be liked and accepted, and frequently seeks approval from his peers and superiors, often to his own detriment. Like other Influence types, his emotions can be on full display, whether he's having an “anger” outburst or serenading the office with his banjo. Impulsive and spontaneous, Andy often acts without thinking, like when he drove to Florida to win Erin back.
Concerned with image and social status, Andy frequently mentions his Ivy League education and desires to be seen as successful and popular.
Kevin Malone - High S (Support)
Easygoing and relaxed, Kevin has a laid-back personality like other Support types and rarely seems stressed, even in high-pressure situations. He is content with his job as an accountant and shows little ambition for change or advancement.
Kevin is also visibly uncomfortable with new management and changes in the office routine. He places a high value on social interactions among the work crew, like his fierce focus on his homemade chili tradition.
Stanley Hudson - High C (Clarity)
Another Clarity type, Stanley is independent and prefers to work alone: He is task-focused and consistent, performing reliably in his sales role, consistently meeting his targets without much fuss.
Like other Clarity types, Stanley can be resistant to authority if it disrupts his routine. Stanley is vocal about his dislike for unnecessary meetings or Michael's antics that interrupt his work. A true Clarity type, he maintains a stoic demeanor and rarely shows excitement or enthusiasm at work.
Oscar Martinez - High C (Clarity)
Logical and analytical, Oscar is known for his intellect and often provides logical explanations for various situations in the office. He values accuracy and competency and takes pride in his accounting work and is frustrated by Kevin and Angela's mistakes.
Another tell of Clarity types is their reserve, and Oscar is one of the more reserved characters on the show, keeping his personal life separate from work for a long time. He is also skeptical and critical, often questioning the decisions of management and pointing out Michael's lack of knowledge.
Kelly Kapoor - High I (Influence)
Enthusiastic and talkative, Kelly is known for her chattiness and her enthusiasm about pop culture and fashion.
Like many Influence types, she seeks attention and approval from her coworkers, particularly Ryan. Another trait of this type, Kelly makes decisions based on her emotions and often changes her mind on a whim.
Like some people high in Influence, her focus is often on her romantic relationships and social life rather than her work.
Want to see if you are more of a Michael Scott or more of a Dwight (and also learn a lot of stuff that might actually be helpful at work)? Take our free DISC test here.
