This week we continue with the second component of the Wow Factor: Competence, being good at what we do.
We are in the middle of our study on understanding human behavior and personalities, a competency that will benefit everyone looking to deliver the Wow Factor. We are using the DISC model as a simple and effective method of learning. You’ll want to read this post for a short introduction to DISC if you haven’t already.
Last week we looked a little closer at the S, or Steady personality.
This week we’re taking a closer look at the C, or Cautious personality style. Looking at the graphs below, the C type is found in the lower-left quadrant based on their answers to our two questions–they are reserved and task-oriented.
Common traits of a C-type
The C-type personality makes up an estimated 20-25% of the population. They are cautious and calculating. They are motivated by correct answers and getting value more than most people.
The C-type is often guarded and reserved. They use–and appreciate–precise speech but are usually the least animated personality type, using monotones with little inflection and understated body language. The C-type
C-types are reluctant to reveal personal feelings but will stand their ground when they are confident in their facts. They will ask pertinent questions, ask for evidence and despise vague information and exaggeration.
If you are not a C-type
If your primary personality type is any of the other three types, here are some helpful things to keep in mind when dealing with someone who is a C-type:
- tone down exaggerated body language, voice inflection and–most of all–exaggerated facts!
- give them time to absorb and analyze information
- identify and highlight value when trying to convince them
- call them by their given name (“buddy”, “man”, “dude” “girlfriend” etc doesn’t usually fly with a C)
If you are a C-type
If your primary personality type is C, here are some helpful things to keep in mind when dealing with people who are not:
- smile and be cordial–your careful, understated communication style can be seen as cold
- calculated risks can be beneficial
- most people don’t enjoy the level of detail that you do, give them the cliffnotes version
- keep in mind the person vs. the process
This post is just skimming the surface of this personality type and the practical takeaways of understanding the C-type whether it is yourself, your spouse, a boss, coworkers, friends or clients.
I teach full-day Wow Factor workshops for organizations from coast-to-coast where we dive into this content much more thoroughly. If you would like to find out how I can come alongside your team and help them understand each other and communicate on a higher level, please reach out to me, either at alan@alanbracken.com or call me directly at 423-863-6257.
You can also click the discovery report link in the sidebar to the right to get your own DISC discovery report. Understanding yourself better than ever before is a great place to start developing your competence in the critical subject of understanding human behavior!