DiSC: How to Build Trust with a C Behavioral Style

Reminder: C stands for Conscientiousness. C styles prioritize stability, accuracy, and challenge in the workplace. These folks are incredibly detail-oriented and are critical on a team for being the ones who “dot the i’s and cross the t’s.” C styles thrive in careers and positions where expertise and compliance are paramount, and they are often found in jobs that require a high attention to detail (think researchers, engineers, software developers, etc.). C styles love the challenge of “finding the right answer” and are tireless in their efforts to do so. While C’s can be highly emotional people, they do not wear their emotions on their sleeve and can seem almost aloof. Rest assured, however, that the perceived “aloofness” is often mistaken for deep thinking going on behind those eyes.

All of that said, here are three ways to build trust with an C style:

1. C styles value good decision making which, in their minds, means being able to back up ideas with data and logic. C’s trust the data. Period. They are careful, methodical, and highly analytical people, so they need to see the data, review the data, test the data, and then decide if they trust the data…and only then will they consider whether to trust its source.

2. C styles are all about follow-through, no matter how long it takes or what obstacles are encountered. They need you to be willing to do the same, to walk-your-talk, or they will quickly lose faith in you and/or the mission.

3. C styles do not respond positively to overly emotional appeals or behavior that may seem erratic. To gain the trust of a C, you must appeal instead to principles of justice and fairness in a straightforward and logical manner.

If you have any other questions about C’s or any of the DiSC styles, please don’t hesitate to contact me! chariti@charitigent.com.