You can recognise a C style personality because they have very high standards. They value accuracy and are often perfectionists. Because they also value challenge and stability, they are natural innovators. They seek to make processes and systems slicker, smarter or more efficient. They work in detail and love to solve problems and to find answers.
They are objective, logical and systematic in their approach and use facts and data to influence others or prove their point. Natural analysers, they seek truth in the numbers and patterns, but can often get bogged down and resist making decisions. Because they spend time to research and get the data, they can become single focused and fixed minded. Others may seem them as working on their own agenda, siloed and being stubborn. They are simply focused on their area of influence and less concerned with the priorities of other teams and departments.
They are more formal in their approach, reserved and restrained. They quietly get on with the task at hand and deliver exceptional work. Because of their high standards, cooler approach and restraint, they rarely give positive praise and can be over critical. This can demotivate some colleagues. Their formal approach means that off the cuff, unstructured or unplanned meetings would be frustrating. They are organised, on time and fully prepared.
Fears
Since C styles value expertise and high standards, they fear getting anything wrong. This can show up as perfectionism and never feeling good enough or prepared enough. They often don't take praise well, especially if they don't value your expertise. So be clear on what good looks like, set clear deadlines and praise the expertise and outcomes based on facts.
They also fear strong displays of emotion. They will often shut down in high conflict situations, even when it is positive conflict. If a colleague is emotional, they will become detached because of their own discomfort and are then criticised for being uncaring or having no empathy or understanding.
CS
The CS style values accuracy, stability and support. This means also have precise standards, orderly methods and reliable outcomes. They are practical, and have great attention to detail. They like to be well prepared and avoid taking risks or making rapid changes without fully thinking it through first.
They are fairly traditional in their approach and have a sense of caution when changes come in. They offer help when their expertise is called upon and are good listeners and demonstrate patience with others. They seek harmony, calm and avoid conflict.
CD
The CD style also values accuracy, stability but tends to be challenging rather than accommodating. Their natural sceptical mind means they question ideas which seem to have little substance and can quickly see flaws in an argument.
They are efficient, rational and competent and are strict over standards, process and procedures. Sometimes they can appear blunt, cool and overly critical. They love to be the expert and accumulate great knowledge on their subject matter.
They could increase their effectiveness by cooperating with others and listening to their needs or concerns. Practicing empathy and giving praise would help build stronger relationships.
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