What is a C style personality?

The type c personality profile, also known as Compliance or C style, is one of the four basic DISC types that originate from William Marston's DISC Model.

C Styles make up approximately 31% of the worldwide population.

Key characteristics of a C style personality

C styles are exact, logical and analytical. They 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 to make type C personalities excellent problem-solvers. They are focused on tasks and ensure things get done correctly. C profiles tend to produce high-quality work.

C styles are:

Private
Precise
Logical
Careful
Formal
Exact

Communication of a C style personality

C styles talk a lot about facts and figures and can be reasonably quiet and reserved. They tend to ask questions versus making statements, as this allows them to gather more data. C's have a slower pace of speech which can come across as measured and logical in their delivery and communication style. C styles avoid small talk and go straight to the facts. Type C personality styles prefer to use written communication over verbal communication.

C styles usually ask 'why' questions like:

'Why are we doing this?'
'Why does it work that way?'

When communicating with C Style individuals, slow down and give them time to think and ask all of their questions. When you can, try to provide type C personalities with written information ahead of your discussion.

How to work with a C style personality

Meeting with a C Style

Prepare a schedule beforehand to provide the C style with written information. Approach with a businesslike demeanour and be open to questions. Be prepared to tell them why, when, and where of what you expect, they will explain 'how' once they have all the details.

Emailing a C Style

C's like straightforward emails, they want all the essential details delivered clearly and factually. If you're under time pressure, be specific in what you need and when you need it. Include a timeframe for response, and pass over as much information as possible. C personalities prefer a logical approach, so try to remove any emotion from your emails.

Providing a C Style with Feedback

Any feedback should be delivered privately and focus on how they can complete a task more effectively. C styles are not big on aggression. They like to think logically, show them your logic and data upfront. C styles are proud of their accuracy. Positive feedback should concentrate on their thoroughness and correctness.

Delegating to C Styles

When delegating to C styles, take your time. Allow them to ask a lot of questions and be willing to cover everything more than once. Provide a step-by-step process on what you expect for them and give it to them in written format so they can continue to refer back to it.

Motivating C Styles

C styles drive comes from harmonious environments where they have a chance to expand their knowledge and specialise. Facts, figures and data appeal to a C style person. They don't need recognition as long as they can tell that they've reached a tangible goal.

Managing C Styles

Set clear expectations and boundaries. Allow them personal autonomy to complete tasks and display their expertise. C's do not deal well with change, try to remove any sudden variances from their environment. When managing C personality types, provide them with a secure and risk-free working environment and support them when they need it.

Working Remotely

Ensure you provide very detailed emails with your C style workers, so they know the tasks they need to accomplish and how to perform them. When working remotely, ensure you check-in regularly with your C style people so they can ask questions and discuss their concerns.

C Style Leaders

A C style leader focuses on quality, rules and compliance with little tolerance for mistakes. Quality leaders are fascinated by facts, details and analyses. They emphasise regulations and compliance and do not usually lead through inspiration or words of encouragement.

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What does a C style personality contribute to a team?

C styles provide the focus for the team. They help keep everyone concentrated on the issues and act as internal controllers. They remember decisions from previous meetings and take detailed notes.

C's are great at delegating tasks and responsibilities and give others room to focus on their work. Type C personality styles contribute the analytical side to a team. They analyse problems and handle issues thoroughly.

What are the strengths of a C type personality?

C styles are methodical and cautious, making them excellent analysts. C type personalities approach problems systematically and take their time to think things through. C's are comfortable with lots of data and ensure everything works the way it should. C styles want to be correct and to produce high-quality work. They do not want to make mistakes.

These strengths come easily and naturally to C personality types:

Finding mistakes
Great at quality control
Proceeding carefully and thoughtfully
Notices missed details
Doesn't allow emotions to influence decision
Provides supporting information

What are the potential weaknesses in a C type personality?

C styles can suffer from 'analysis paralysis' and tend to take a long time to assess all factors before making decisions. C styles' desire to do things correctly can also slow down their decision-making.

C's tend to look for perfect solutions rather than workable solutions and may take a long time to complete tasks. They may come across as too critical in their analysis of accuracy and quality.

C styles:

Prefer to work independently
Need lots of information to support decisions
Can be afraid of taking risks
Clings to details
Focuses on the small details rather than the big picture

Typical careers for a C style personality

C styles tend to thrive when working independently. Jobs best suited to a type C personality include roles where they have enough time to complete their tasks with accuracy, precision, and to the highest possible standard.

DISC Personality C Careers include:

Technicians
IT Consultants
Accountants
Engineers
Inventory Control
Operations Managers

It's important to note that your DISC personality type does not limit your career opportunities in any way. It simply helps you understand what behaviours will take energy and which come naturally to you.