DiSC C styles

What does the C in DiSC mean?

The C in the Everything DiSC® model stands for conscientiousness. People with C styles employ objectivity, analysis, and determination to stick with a problem until they solve it. They are strong critical thinkers who are naturally skeptical and self-controlled.

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DiSC C style characteristics | Working well with DiSC C-style people |
C style variations: CS, CD, C

DiSC map showing fast-paced and outspoken at top, cautious and reflective at bottom, questioning and skeptical on the left, and accepting and warm at the right

How do you get typed as a C style in DiSC?

The DiSC model, at its foundation, is two-dimensional, measuring:

pace (from fast-paced and outspoken to cautious and reflective)
agreeableness (from questioning and skeptical to accepting and warm)

The C-type personality is both cautious and reflective, and also questioning and skeptical.

These two scales are just a starting place for the Everything DiSC assessment. This assessment will tell you not only your main DiSC style (D, i, S, or C) but which of the 12 sub-styles best represents you and how strongly you align with those traits.

Everything DiSC map with showing a dot in the C quadrant

Dot placement

There’s a lot of variety within each of the four main DiSC styles because human personality is so wonderfully varied! People with C styles share many high-level traits, but each C-style person manifests the style differently. The dot placement on your Everything DiSC profile will help you discover your unique place on the DiSC map.

For example, you might be strongly inclined to the CD style with your dot appearing on the far edge of the circle and between the C and D lines. Or you might be slightly inclined toward the C style with your dot appearing closer to the middle and centered in the C quadrant.

Learn more: DiSC^® dot and priorities explained

Think you have a C style?

Take an Everything DiSC Workplace assessment today to find out! Learning your DiSC style can help you identify your strengths and build stronger connections in the workplace and beyond.

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DiSC C style characteristics

Our personality traits are informed by the driving assumptions that we each have: unconscious beliefs that shape our decisions and behavior. These core beliefs are largely hidden to our rational minds. Those with a DiSC C style typically have core psychological needs such as these: the need to maintain credibility, the need to avoid blame, the need to mask flaws, and the need to control how they display emotions to not appear vulnerable. Various people with C styles will identify with these needs to varying degrees. Here are some ways that the core needs of C-type people show up in their personalities.

Common traits:

When someone has a C style, they tend to come across as reserved, objective, and skeptical. They want to examine situations thoroughly and avoid letting their emotions get in the way of making rational decisions. Other C-style traits:

methodical
logical
diligent

Motivations:

C-style people generally strive to produce superior results. They aren't afraid of a challenge but avoid being vulnerable. They also tend to find flaws in plans or projects that other people might have missed. DiSC C-style people are motivated by:

challenges
producing quality work
showing their expertise

Priorities:

In the Everything DiSC® model, the C style is associated with the following priorities: stability, accuracy, and challenge. Using their steady pace and detail-oriented approach to work, they tend to turn obstacles into opportunities. DiSC C style priorities:

objectivity
maintaining stability
challenging assumptions

What they value:

While each individual has a unique set of values, DiSC C-style people often desire logic, precision, and clear, well-informed decision-making. Other common values of the DiSC C type include:

follow-through
accuracy and quality

Stressors in the workplace:

When you know what stressors are common for the DiSC C type, you can gain a better understanding of your C-style coworkers. Managers should keep in mind the situations that tend to stress C styles out. This helps to create a work environment that's more motivating and less stressful for them. Stressors for C-style people include:

uncertainty and taking risks
making mistakes in front of others
feeling vulnerable
having little private time

Fears:

Each DiSC style generally has a few core fears. These fears often inform thoughts and behaviors both in and outside of the workplace. DiSC C types generally fear:

criticism and being wrong
strong displays of emotion
being viewed as incompetent

How they influence others:

C-style individuals influence people using the traits and behaviors that come naturally to them. When a C style is building buy-in or attempting to influence others, you may notice them:

leaning on logic
maintaining high standards

How they handle conflict:

Like all styles, DiSC C styles in conflict situations can use their natural tendencies in both productive and destructive ways. C-type people in conflict generally give people space, and work to find the root causes of issues. However, they can also become overly critical, isolate themselves, and use passive-aggressive tactics. During conflict, C styles may:

focus on logic and objectivity
overpower with facts

May need to work on:

DiSC assessments are powerful tools that can help learners identify strengths and weaknesses. Growth opportunities for C-style individuals include:

acknowledging others’ feelings
looking beyond data
letting go of perfectionism

C-style managers

C-style managers enjoy working toward a common goal. They aren't afraid of a challenge! They often focus on quality and make decisions based on logic.

Learn more about C-style managers and the assumptions that tend to inform their management habits on our learning hub.

C-style managers are analytical, reserved, and precise

Working well with DiSC C-style people

People with DiSC C personality types bring a lot to their workplaces. They’re not going to leave a task half-finished. C-style teammates are generally reliable and detail-oriented. They want superior results and aren’t afraid of challenge. They may openly question ideas and point out flaws that others may have missed. The advice for working well with C-type coworkers will differ based on your own personality type. For example, the challenges an i-style person might have communicating with a C-style teammate are likely quite different from those of two C-style people. That said, here are some general tips for working with DiSC C styles.

Communicating with C styles

People with different DiSC styles often have different communication preferences. You can strengthen your relationships with your C-style coworkers by learning some type C communication tips. If you have a C style, these behaviors may come naturally to you. If you don't have a C style, you may benefit from reviewing the best way to communicate with C types. Here are some C-style communication tips:

Focus on facts and details.
Minimize “pep talk” or emotional language.
Be patient, persistent, and diplomatic.

C styles in meetings

To keep meetings with C types running smoothly, review their priorities and motivators. C-style meeting tips include not wasting time and remaining focused on the tasks and projects at hand. Here are some more meeting tips for DiSC C styles:

Support your opinions with logic.
Avoid pressuring them for immediate decisions.

Problem-solving with C styles

When problem-solving with C-type people, keep in mind that they value competence and objectivity, and are naturally skeptical. Don't take their bluntness personally. Try to focus on facts. Here are some C-style problem-solving tips:

Look for the root cause of problems.
Give them space to consider their position.
Keep volatility to a minimum.

Do C-style people make good salespeople?

Salespeople with C styles are focused on quality. They are well-organized and pay attention to details. When selling, they like to let the quality of the product speak for itself.

Read more about the 8 styles of salespeople and using DiSC to meet your customers' needs on our learning hub.

The C styles: C, CS, CD

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 Everything DiSC test is calibrated to help you discover both your main DiSC style and your sub-style.

The CS style

The CS style is the C style closest to the S quadrant, so CS-type people display some S-style tendencies in addition to C-style behaviors. This means CS-style people are typically the most accepting and collaborative of the C styles.

Common CS-style traits: Cautious, reflective, stable, orderly, even-tempered, precise, well-prepared, patient, conventional, self-controlled, humble, dependable

Learn about CS styles

The CD style

People with CD styles share some priorities and behaviors with the D style. This means that CD-type people are usually resolute and more fast-paced than others with C styles.

Common CD-style traits: Skeptical, determined, questioning, critical thinker, stubborn, cynical, objective, disciplined, systematic, high standards, results-oriented, determined

Learn about CD styles

The C style (“solid C”)

People who fall near the middle of the C quadrant in the DiSC model are sometimes referred to as having “solid C styles.” Their personalities likely align most closely with the larger C-style qualities discussed on this page.

Common C-style traits: Private, accurate, restrained, reserved, conscientious, disciplined, analytical, logical, rational, skeptical, fact-finder, detached, diligent

Other styles

D styles

fast-paced & outgoing, questioning & skeptical

Learn about D styles

i styles

fast-paced & outgoing, accepting & warm

Learn about i styles

S styles

cautious & reflective, accepting & warm

Learn about S styles

What is your style?

Do you have the DiSC C personality type? If so, how does your unique personality differ from the typical C type? Taking a DiSC assessment is the first step toward meeting many personal development goals. Not only will you understand your own behaviors more, but you’ll learn how to form better relationships at home and work. We recommend starting your DiSC journey with Everything DiSC Workplace.

Take a DiSC assessment