Your choice of Christmas tree can reveal valuable insights about your leadership style and how you interact with others
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Leadership comes in many forms, and interestingly, your choice of Christmas tree can be a festive reflection of your leadership style. As a business coach, I often use the DISC assessment – a psychometric tool developed by the brilliant William Marston – to help clients understand themselves and improve how they lead and communicate.
Marston, who created the lie detector and the iconic comic book character Wonder Woman (complete with her Lasso of Truth), identified four distinct leadership styles. Each of these styles aligns surprisingly well with the way we approach Christmas trees.
The dominant leader
Bold, brash, and always in control, dominant leaders are action-oriented and focused on results.
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If this is your style, you might opt for a no-fuss artificial tree that goes up in minutes, because Christmas isn’t happening without one, and no one should dare complain about it. Or perhaps you’ve chosen a statement tree – one that’s less about tradition and more about making a bold declaration, like an abstract tree with ornaments and no needles, sending a clear message about this year’s challenges.
Dominant leaders don’t shy away from decisions or controversy, and their Christmas trees reflect that.
The influencer
Creative and outgoing, influencer leaders love a good celebration and thrive on bringing people together.
Their Christmas trees are often unique, adorned with the latest trendy lights and quirky decorations. For these leaders, the tree is less about tradition and more about fun and memories. The tree might even be a conversation starter, drawing attention and sparking stories at the party they’ve likely planned.
For influencers, the tree is a tool for creating joy and connection, making them the life of the festive season.
The steady leader
Steady leaders value tradition, stability, and creating a welcoming environment.
Their trees are classic and meticulously decorated, often in warm reds and whites. These leaders might choose a designer tree to create the perfect holiday atmosphere. Under their tree, you’ll find carefully chosen, personalized gifts, adding a thoughtful touch to their leadership style.
Steady leaders focus on fostering harmony and making sure everyone feels included and valued.
The conscientious leader
Detail-oriented and pragmatic, conscientious leaders might not prioritize Christmas but will participate if their team insists.
Their tree could be a practical, well-maintained artificial one – possibly still under warranty. These leaders might delegate the task of decorating, ensuring everything is done efficiently and correctly. While they might not be the first to arrive at the office party or the last to leave, they value tradition as long as it fits within a structured plan.
Conscientious leaders may not be showy, but their thoughtful, methodical approach ensures every detail is considered.
Whether your leadership style leans towards dominance, influence, steadiness, or conscientiousness, your Christmas tree can reveal a lot about how you approach challenges, build relationships, and guide your team.
The holiday season is a time of reflection and an opportunity to consider how your leadership style impacts those around you. Are you fostering connection and collaboration? Are you balancing bold decisions with empathy and inclusion? Understanding your approach is the first step toward growth.
As the new year approaches, take some time to evaluate your leadership style. Just like choosing the right tree, great leadership is about aligning your decisions with your values, creating an environment where everyone can thrive, and making thoughtful adjustments along the way.
Leadership, like the holidays, is about inspiring others and bringing out the best in every situation. Here’s to building a stronger, more connected team in the year ahead.
What does your tree say about you?
David Fuller is a Commercial and Business Realtor with a strong reputation as an award-winning business coach and author. He has extensive experience helping businesses grow and succeed, providing guidance on various aspects of business management, strategy, and development. His work as a business coach and author has earned him recognition in the industry, making him a respected figure in both real estate and business coaching.
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