CD style

When someone has a CD style in DiSC, they often appear focused, guarded, and direct. They aren't afraid to challenge the status quo to get results. Other common CD style traits include:

• skeptical and questioning
• stubborn
• disciplined
• determined
• critical thinker
• cynical
• objective
• systematic

CD-type people are motivated by a challenge. They relish an opportunity to prove their competency and are determined to deliver quality outcomes efficiently. People with CD styles like solving problems and gaining expertise. Other CD style motivators include:

• proving themselves/showing their knowledge
• overcoming obstacles
• using logical thinking to create the best solutions

The Everything DiSC Workplace® model shows these priorities for the DiSC CD style: challenge, accuracy, and results. They won’t accept ideas without asking a lot of questions. People with CD styles avoid letting their emotions get in the way of making rational decisions, and they want to control the quality of their work. They can be counted on to keep things on track. People with CD styles prioritize:

• challenging assumptions, challenging self and others
• ensuring accuracy
• getting results

Every person has their own particular set of values, but you may notice common patterns among people with similar DiSC styles. For example, DiSC CD-style people tend to value rational decisions, personal autonomy, and maintaining control. Other values of the DiSC CD type include:

• efficient results
• competence in themselves and others
• their independence/self-reliance

You can improve collaboration with your CD-style coworkers if you know some common stressors for people of their style. This helps coworkers and managers offer support in times of stress. Things that DiSC CD-style people find stressful include:

• not having expertise in a task they need to perform
• having to rely on others
• being around highly emotional people
• following an inefficient process
• being surrounded by incompetent or unreliable people

Each personality style has core fears. These are closely related to the stressors and values of that type. Mostly, these fears are in the background rather than our conscious thoughts, but they greatly influence our behaviors and decisions. CD-style people fear:

• lacking control
• experiencing failure
• feeling vulnerable

The competence and resolve of CD-type people influence the people around them. By calling on the traits that come naturally to them, CD styles influence others through:

• strict standards
• resolute approach
• high expectations
• speaking up about problems
• communicating clearly and directly

People with CD styles are often seeking justification in conflict situations. They are unlikely to budge if they think they’re right. Rather, they will lay out their argument, which is likely well-thought-out. Like all styles, DiSC CD styles have natural personality traits that can be both productive and destructive in conflict situations. CD-type people in conflict generally help make conflict productive by staying objective and looking for the root cause of the problem. However, CD types might become overly critical or defensive. During conflict, CD styles may:

• stick up for their own rights
• become passive-aggressive
• tackle tough issues head-on
• overanalyze the situation

Unlike many other personality assessments, Everything DiSC is developmental rather than just descriptive. If you take an Everything DiSC assessment, you’ll get both an understanding of your personality and an individualized path for personal development. In general, CD-style people may benefit from working on:

• cooperating
• paying attention to others' needs, seeking to empathize with others
• looking beyond data
• practicing patience
• displaying vulnerability

Communication preferences vary by DiSC style. Learning some communication tips for each style can strengthen your working relationships. If you have a CD style, these behaviors may come naturally to you. If you don't, you may benefit from understanding where their preferences come from. Here are some CD-style communication tips:

• Say what you mean. Don’t talk around a subject; address it directly.
• Focus on facts and minimize “pep talk.”
• If you feel taken aback by something they say or the manner in which they say it, point it out and ask for clarification. They may not always be aware how their direct demeanor affects others.
• Show them it’s OK to be vulnerable sometimes. Make it clear that mistakes and missteps are part of the process.

For effective meetings with CD types, review their priorities and motivators. People with CD styles appreciate direct communication and are looking for clarity around any decisions made or new roles assigned during meetings. They may need a little encouragement to work collaboratively and to engage with the small talk or social aspects of meetings. Here are some more tips for meetings with DiSC CD styles:

• Justify decisions, and explain the rationale behind new endeavors or changes in processes.
• Allow them opportunities to showcase their expertise.

When problem-solving with CD-type people, remember that they are focused on accuracy and results, and that they may prefer working independently to collaboratively. Try to be direct, and provide objective justification for your suggestions. Here are some CD-style problem-solving tips:

• Demonstrate your competence and your commitment to high standards.
• Show how your ideas will get results.
• Recognize the value of their drive to get things right.

People with C styles share many similarities with CD-style individuals, but are likely a bit more cautious, analytical, and restrained.

As you would expect, DC-type folks have a lot in common with CD-style people. Both styles score high on the CD/DC scale. People with DC styles tend to be slightly more fast-paced and bold than CD-style individuals.

fast-paced & outgoing, questioning & skeptical

fast-paced & outgoing, accepting & warm

cautious & reflective, accepting & warm