What is a C Style Personality?

The letter 'C' in DISC represents the C personality type, also known as Compliance. The C style is one of the four basic DISC personality types that originate from William Marston's DISC Model. Simply put, a High C style is precise and logical. They are very eager to learn if it contributes to their quality of work. C Styles make up approximately 31% of the New Zealand population.

Key Characteristics of a C Style Personality

C Profiles are exact, logical and analytical. C Styles require lots of process, structure and rules. C's make decisions using logic, rather than being swayed by emotions. Their ability to think deeply about issues helps make each C personalities an excellent problem-solver. They are focused on tasks and ensure things get done correctly. C profiles tend to produce high-quality work.

C profiles are likely to ask a lot of questions and seek clear answers. At times they get lost in the analysis, focusing too much on the trees and not the forest. C styles may come across as somewhat aloof, as they do not require a lot of people interaction. Others may perceive C profiles as overly critical, distant, pessimistic, and even cold.

Communication of a C Style Personality

C styles prefer to use a written communication style over verbal communication. They talk a lot about facts and figures and can be reasonably quiet and reserved. They are incredibly diplomatic and tend not to vocalise disagreeing views or opinions. C styles are attentive listeners if they are interested in the topic, but they may have difficulty listening if the communication is not presented logically.

When communicating with C Style individuals, slow down and give them time to think and ask all of their questions. Give them facts and plenty of detailed information. C styles may not be comfortable discussing personal issues, so stay away from discussing anything deeply personal. When you can, try to provide C personalities with written information ahead of your discussion.

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How to Work With a C Style Personality

Emailing a C Style

When sending emails to a C style, describe things in a logical order and keep the structure clear by using paragraphs and bullet-point lists. Describe 'why' if necessary, and provide supporting facts, numbers, charts and tables. C styles need enough time to process the information and craft their response. If you require something from a C style under time pressure, then be specific in what you need and when you need it. Include a timeframe for a response, and provide as much information as possible.

Meeting with a C Style

C styles like to receive an adgena in advance of the meeting, so they have adequate time to prepare. C styles may also appreciate the minutes of the meeting so they can have the correct information regarding discussions during the meeting. Remember that C styles feel uncomfortable, making big decisions when they feel rushed or pressured. Ensure you allow time after the meeting for them to think about the decision and gather enough data to form an opinion.

Providing Feedback to a C Style

Review expected results at the beginning of the feedback session to ensure you are in alignment. When providing positive feedback, stick to the facts and details, try not to focus on personality. If the feedback is negative, provide the C style with the opportunity to receive more explicit instructions. Ask them how they plan to improve and if they need support. Refer to agreed company policies, standards, and best practices.

C Style Leadership Culture

C style leaders focus on quality, rules and compliance with little tolerance for mistakes. Quality Leaders are interested in facts, details and analyses. C style leaders are very systematic in their approach and tend to ensure everyone has clear expectations in their roles.

C Styles Working Remotely

C styles enjoy working independently and will thrive while working remotely. You may need to introduce new working from home policies to ensure C styles understand the appropriate guidelines and rules. Managers who are responsible for C styles working from home should ensure their employees know who to talk to when they require clarification and more detail. As a C style working remotely, you may isolate yourself from the rest of the team ensure you keep in touch with the rest of your team.

What Does a C Style Personality Contribute to a Team

C styles are the quality control of teams. They ensure all information, facts and figures are correct by analysing all the details carefully and accurately. C styles are excellent at ensuring team members adhere to systems and processes, maintaining structure in the team. A strength of the C styles is their ability to see the finer details that may hold up projects and cause issues.

What are the Strengths of a C Type Personality

The C styles take the time to process details and think things through when making decisions. They approach decisions and challenges with a logical approach and are comfortable analysing large amounts of information.

Strengths of the C Type Personalities include:

Accuracy
Detailed
Organised
Analytical
Critical thinkers
Quality control
Thoughtful
Strives for perfection

What are the Potential Weaknesses in a C Type Personality

A C style relies heavily on information. They can tend to get stuck in the details and lose the big picture. C styles can be slow to accept change and avoid risks. C types need a lot of detail and require instruction and support.

Potential weaknesses of a C Type Personality include:

May hold onto information
May emphasise rules over creativity
Can create a 'power of knowledge'
Requires a lot of instructions and support
Might be overly critical

Typical Careers for a C Style Personality

Your DISC style does not limit your career opportunities. DISC styles are all capable of working in any profession. The different DISC personality types may find some aspects of a job more or less challenging than the other styles.

C styles gravitate toward controlled environments that are free from conflict and unclear areas of responsibility. They flourish in stable and risk-free environments and can be sceptical of risky ideas and quick decision making.

Some of the tasks and work environments that suit the natural strengths of C personality types are:

Opportunity to upskill
Clearly defined role
Work independently
Logical and well-organised roles
Time to make decisions
Free from aggression and abstract emotions

When finding a new career, C personality types should look for jobs that allow them to utilise their professional skills and expertise. C styles like environments where they do not have conflicting instructions and are permitted to work based on 'right and wrong' criteria. Some career choices that include these factors are: