Type A people are known to be high achievers who like to be in control, while Type B people are less competitive and more relaxed. But did you know that there is also a type C personality as well as a type D? Types C and D are two of the four primary personality and behavior groups defined by the DISC personality theory and assessment (explained below).
Type C Personality Traits
As a quick overview, are some of the traits of a Type C personality that you might recognize in yourself or someone close to you:
AccurateDetail-orientedPreciseMethodicalConscientiousCreativeConflict-avoidantIntrovertedSkeptical
Before we dive into the specifics of the Type C, let’s look at an overview of the different types of personalities.
What Are the Four Types of Personalities?
The theory of the A and B personality types dates back to the 1950s and the work of two cardiologists, Meyer Friedman and RH Rosenman. They thought that people with certain personality traits had a greater likelihood of developing determined diseases, like heart disease. This theory has been disproven, but it is true that certain personality types often correlate with stress, which is a huge factor in one’s overall health. Personality tests are no longer used as a diagnostic tool by psychologists — they are now used solely to increase the understanding of people. Of course, the human personality is much more complex than these four types. Any one person can have traits from two (or more) different categories, but each personality type has its own set of traits and characteristics that set it apart from the others. The type of personality that a person is assigned through personality assessments reflects where the majority of a person’s characteristics lie. In general . . .
Who Invented Type C Personality?
The DISC theory was developed by psychologist William Moulton Marston and the assessment tool was created by industrial psychologist Walter Vernon Clarke. The type C personality is one of the four behavior types determined by the DISC personality assessment.
Disc Personality Behavior Types
DISC profile types are classified into four primary personality and behavior groups:
What Does It Mean to Have a Type C Personality?
People with type C personalities (conscientious) are perfectionists, always consistent with their work, and rarely break the rules. Although they share characteristics with type A, C-personalities take more time with the details and usually recheck their work several times for accuracy. Time management is not a priority for C-personalities like it is for type A. However, the accuracy of the details is equally as important (or possibly more so) than it is for type A personalities. C-personalities are known to be “emotionally repressed” because they find it difficult to share their emotions and needs with other people. Because of this, they often come across as seemingly uncaring, which can look similar to the “I don’t care” attitude that is often portrayed by people who have a type B personality. They have a steady and stoic demeanor that makes them seem almost robotic at times.
10 Secrets of a Type C Personality
Types C and D personalities were developed based on different theories than the theories that created Types A and B. Because A and B personalities are so vastly different, psychologists found personality patterns that didn’t fit into either of them. Here are some of the patterns and behaviors of the Type C personality explained in further detail.
1. Introverted
People with this type of personality are true introverts. They strongly prefer meaningful interaction with one or two other people over small talk with a crowd because they are very deep thinkers. Similarly, they would prefer to be an expert on one subject than know a lot of superficial information about a variety of subjects. Another major sign of true introversion that C-personalities exhibit is their ability to hone in on what they need to accomplish. When working on a project, they can sit down and concentrate for hours and they have an amazing ability to focus. They especially excel at this when they are in their own space with no distractions or interruptions. Because introverts are overwhelmed by too many stimuli, they are often keen to the minor details of things that others might look over. However, while they notice things in their external environment, they are largely inward turning or focused more on their internal thoughts, emotions, and moods instead of seeking external stimuli. As introverts, C-personalities need to be alone to think when they feel overwhelmed. Often, they will seek out a serene place to sit and think. When this happens, it is critical to allow C’s to have their space and let them process any information they need to before they actively participate again.
2. Detail-Oriented
C-personalities are very detail-oriented and prefer being involved in tasks that are controlled and stable rather than tasks that have no direction. They strive for accuracy and logic. People who are irrational will bother type C people because they find that having strong emotions makes it very difficult or even impossible to be logical. Due to their attention to detail, C-personalities strive to create original and unique work in whatever they are doing. They make sure to be meticulously prepared with every detail to reduce the chances of anyone disagreeing with them. Type C’s are great candidates for any job that requires creativity based on patience, facts, and precision. People with this type of personality are also deep thinkers who like to get to the bottom of things by asking questions like “why” or “how” something works.
3. Controlling
C-personalities can be controlling of themselves and of other people. They like to keep things in order. They are motivated and driven by outcomes and are strict about following policies and procedures in order to get the job done right. They work carefully to gather facts and use all of their resources to look at every aspect of an issue before they decide to take a stand. They are well prepared if anyone chooses to challenge them. When a C-personality is in a decision-making position, they proceed with caution and logic and ask for many facts and details before making a final decision. Other people trying to sell a C-personality on something through the use of emotional reasoning often fail because a C-personality would consider this person to be full of hype and think about the possible facts that are hidden by the hype. Their extreme skepticism and their constant use of logic to make decisions in an objective manner mean that they are rarely swayed by the use of emotion.
4. Prefer Direction
They like to have a clear direction for their tasks and jobs. They want to know what people expect from them so they can decide how to prioritize their time and effectively plan their course of action. They like to see every job through to completion. C-personalities are dependable and take their jobs seriously, so if they are given clear instructions, they are highly likely to get a job done completely and effectively.
5. Concerned with Facts
Type Cs want to deal with reality and facts — no speculation or unproven theories for them. They take the necessary time with research to find evidence to back up any ideas or claims.
6. Highly-Focused
Not easily distractible, Type Cs can concentrate and remain focused on a project or task — sometimes to their detriment. They aren’t as concerned about deadlines as is the Type A personality and can have difficulties with time management as a result. However, this focus gives them the ability to thoroughly delve into whatever he or she is working on with accuracy and detail.
7. Perfectionistic
You don’t want to suggest approaching anything halfway or even 99 percent of the way with a Type C. He or she wants it done right or not at all. Type Cs are so perfectionistic that they can experience extreme stress and anxiety to do things “just so,” even when it’s not necessary. This tendency sometimes comes from feelings of insecurity and a need to gain the approval of others.
8. Solitary
Many C personalities prefer to work alone rather than with a team or group of people. This preference may stem from a desire to follow their own systems and keep things organized in a specific way. They also don’t like conflict and arguments and working alone ensures they don’t experience these. In their personal lives, they also enjoy their privacy and engaging in solitary activities. But when they have true friends whom they trust, Type Cs are extremely loyal.
9. Passive and Emotionally Repressed
Because this personality type resists conflict, they can repress their true feelings and passively go along with decisions or plans that they don’t like. They can show a lack of assertiveness, and as a result will sometimes have feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.
10. Organized
Since Type Cs are so methodical and focused, they need their environments and work to be highly organized and uncluttered. Disorganization creates anxiety for them, and since they take so much pride in their work, they can’t tolerate inefficient or sloppy practices.
Communicating with a C-Personality
To effectively communicate with someone who has a C personality, it is best to use formal and almost “business-like” language and tone. It’s important to acknowledge and respect the amount of expertise that a C-personality has on any topic, so let them teach you about the topic at hand. C’s can talk for a long time about something that they have a passion for, but they are also self-aware, and therefore won’t get offended if the conversation has to be cut short due to time. Being clear and concise will always be appreciated by a C-personality. 15 Distinct Signs You Have A Passive Personality Why ENFP And INFJ Personalities Make A Good Match Similarities And Differences Between INTP and INTJ
Ideal Roles of a C-Personality
Because C-personalities are objective, they are very fair when they are looking at any differences in opinion. They are only concerned with the facts, which makes them great in strategic and executive positions. Due to their introverted nature, they may not naturally take the lead, but once they are in a leadership position, they lead naturally by the example they set of their high-quality work. C-personalities are innovators and are always looking for new ways to solve old problems and coming up with a better way to do anything.
Work Style for the C Personality
C’s prefer to work individually rather than working on a team. They can be intense, and they tend to focus all of that intense energy on doing their personal best work while ignoring any “teamwork” or “relationship” aspect of the project. C-personalities don’t worry about feelings or emotions too much — if it can’t be proven by facts, it’s not very important to the C’s. However, C’s who are especially self-aware do understand the critical dynamics of working in a team environment and can effectively give insight for the strategy portion of a project and a thorough, yet objective, viewpoint when decisions need to be made quickly.
What Motivates Them?
C-personalities are strongly motivated by excellence, quality, and preciseness. They want to be well-informed and accurate, and they value logic, facts, and completing high-quality tasks and projects. C’s require reassurance that they are meeting expectations, and tend to thrive when they hear praise from their co-workers. But they are not overly concerned with receiving public recognition. The most effective way to acknowledge a C’s hard work is to keep giving them a flexible place to formulate plans for unprecedented, new, interesting solutions.
What Stresses Them?
Vagueness and uncertainty stress out those who have a C-personality. Missing information, uncertain roles, a lack of planning, or simply having too many mistakes without the necessary time to analyze and comprehend what went wrong will cause C’s to shut down. Having to multitask will also stress C’s out because they don’t believe they can deliver the best outcome if they have to focus on more than one thing at a time. C’s also need to delegate their own work schedule, and if they have to stick to a regimented schedule, their potential level of achievement will be hindered.
Good Jobs for Type C Personality
Type C’s tend to gravitate toward jobs in which they can strive for perfection. They look for careers where they can utilize precision and creativity. Some of the more common jobs for personality type C include the following:
Strengths of a Type C
As an overview, here are the strengths of a C personality:
Weaknesses of a Type C
Here are some of the weaknesses of this personality type: Are you are a Type C personality? Does it seem like you could be a type C? C’s are great resources when it comes to creating structure and keeping people on schedule with a project. Despite the fact that they are often serious, they are naturally warm people and prefer to talk about interests that they have expertise in instead of engaging in small talk. They prefer to work independently but are willing to play an active and effective part on a team if they are clear on how they can add to the quality of the final product. If you’re a Type C personality, you have much to offer your employer and your relationships with your unique traits. As with all personality types, you do have strengths and weaknesses. But you can use this knowledge to improve your self-awareness and work to become an evolved C who plays to your strengths and works on improving areas that you need to develop.
