C style

C stands for Conscientiousness

People with the DiSC C style personality place an emphasis on working conscientiously within existing circumstances to ensure quality and accuracy.

“The Analyst”

C styles are motivated by opportunities to gain knowledge, show their expertise, and produce quality work. They prioritize ensuring accuracy, maintaining stability, and challenging assumptions. They are often described as careful, analytical, systematic, diplomatic, accurate, and tactful.

Fears: criticism and being wrong; strong displays of emotion
Values: quality and accuracy
Overuses: analysis, restraint
Influences others by: logic, exacting standards
In conflict: focuses on logic and objectivity; overpowers with facts
Could improve effectiveness through: acknowledging others’ feelings; looking beyond data

DiSC Classic patterns: Objective Thinker, Perfectionist, Practitioner

C style goals

C styles tend to have goals such as these:

stick to objective processes
be accurate and correct
demonstrate stability and reliability
attain knowledge and expertise
continue personal growth

C style challenges

C styles may need to expend more energy to:

resist being overcritical or overanalyzing and isolating themselves
let go of and delegate tasks
compromise for the good of the team
join in social events and celebrations
make quick decisions

C style in leadership

C-style leaders can be conscientious, disciplined, and diligent, providing high-quality outcomes through careful analysis and planning. They can also be risk-averse perfectionists, who may not pay enough attention to the human element.

C styles often display leadership characteristics such as these:

deliberate
humble
resolute

C style quotes

It takes less time to do a thing right than to explain why you did it wrong.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

C style quotes

Ignore the naysayers. Really the only option is, head down and focus on the job.

Chris Pine

C style quotes

If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.

C style quotes

Knowledge is power.

C style variations

Keep in mind that everyone is a blend of all four DiSC styles: D, i, S, and C. But most people tend strongly toward one or two styles. If your style falls into a border with another style, you probably show traits associated with that style, as well. Thus, C styles often show traits associated with the S and D styles.

The CS style

CS styles tend to be cautious, orderly, and precise, influencing others through their practicality and attention to detail.

Traits: cautious, reflective, stable, orderly, even-tempered, precise, well-prepared, patient, conventional, self-controlled

Goals: stability, reliable outcomes

Fears: emotionally charged situations, ambiguity

Influences others through: practicality, attention to detail

Overuses: traditional methods, sense of caution

In conflict: encourages a calm demeanor; avoids emotional situations

Could improve effectiveness through: showing flexibility, being more decisive, displaying a greater sense of urgency

Leadership qualities: CS-style leaders can be modest and fair-minded, providing reliable outcomes through steadiness and consistency. They can also be rigid, overly cautious, and afraid to move beyond the status quo.

The CD style

CD styles tend to be skeptical, stubborn, and disciplined, influencing others through their strict standards and resolute approach.

Traits: skeptical, determined, questioning, critical thinker, stubborn, cynical, objective, disciplined, systematic, high standards

Goals: efficient results, rational decisions

Fears: failure, lack of control

Influences others through: strict standards, resolute approach

Overuses: bluntness, critical attitude

In conflict: sticks up for their own rights; becomes passive-aggressive

Could improve effectiveness through: cooperation, paying attention to the needs of others

Leadership qualities: CD-style leaders can be questioning, independent leaders who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo to get better results. They can also be cynical, insensitive leaders who can put a negative spin on everything.

Communicating with a C style

When communicating with DiSC C-style individuals, focus on facts and details and minimize “pep talk” or emotional language. Be patient, persistent, and diplomatic.