The Conscientious Personality

(The Objective Thinker Personality)

Introduction

People with a Conscientious personality prefer to set the standard for the group, and they expect everyone else to comply, with the same level of quality, accuracy, and order. Conscientious personalities are concerned with doing something the most precise, accurate way that leads to a quality product or process.

There are times in life when we need quality results, when the job needs to be done with precision which is what Conscientiousness personalities do best.

God created the world with accuracy, order, and quality. Fortunately, some people still strive for achievements that manifest those characteristics.

God selected Moses, a High C, to accurately proclaim His law to the Hebrew people. Just getting the job done would not have been sufficient.

The High D will get us over the mountain, to be sure, but the High C will get us over the mountain with everyone and everything in it’s place, at the proper time and destination, and within budget.

Like High S’s they prefer the status quo and when presented with new ideas they ask numerous clarification questions.

High C’s are able to detect errors in a planning process before it breaks down.

However, too much cautiousness can become a weakness. Their drive for perfection can become a handicap.

Biblical Characters Representing the High C Personality

Luke, Ester Objective Thinker (Primary High C) Moses, Thomas, Perfectionist (C/S/D)

Naomi (?) Elijah, Deborah, Ruth Cooperator (C/I/S) John, Mary (?) Unknown (C=S)

Tendencies of the Conscientiousness Personality

Focuses on the Product Rather Than Process:

Both High D’s and C’s are task oriented; however, the High D personality is driven by the process of achieving a goal, whereas the High C personality tends to concentrate on producing a quality product. They emphasize the “correct” or “right” way to carry out a task.”

Example : Publishing a book. The High D would concern themselves with the step-by-step process of getting the manuscript written, edited, to press, and ultimately delivered. The typical High C would concentrate his efforts on insuring that the manuscript was accurate, grammatically correct, printed on quality paper in a timely manner, and within budget.

Prefers Structure Rather Than Spontaneity

Part of the High C’s drive for quality, accuracy, and order comes from their desire for a structured environment.

High C’s believe that life itself should proceed along a predictable path. Their motto might be “I can’t act on a tasks until I get it right!”

In contrast, the High I and D personalities seek spontaneity and freedom of expression.

Desires Accuracy and Precision

Both Moses and Luke are examples of High C’s who God used when accuracy and precision were important to report and record his laws.

A High C’s preoccupation with detail leads him to prefer an environment where everything has a name, label, and place. A good example is when you borrow a tool from a man who is a High C. Their instructions are use it properly, clean it when you’re done, oil if if necessary, and put it back exactly where he has labeled it to go.

Tends To Be Cautious About Change and Is Likely to Ask Questions For Clarification

Before a High C personality is comfortable with change, they must process information---all the information---that might pertain to the change. Their needs are met through asking questions.

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Processing information is critical to a High C personality if they are to feel comfortable with change. They usually remain cautious a long time before completely accepting the change.

High C’s will generally comply with those in authority when challenged with obstacles and pressure.

Blind Spots of the High C

Fears Criticism ► Because of their high standards of performance, High C

personalities can be extremely critical of their own work and have a tendency to internalize criticism from others.

► They have difficulty with criticism because they see criticism as dissatisfaction with their standard of performance.

► Their tendency to internalize criticism usually leads them to experience feelings of insecurity and depression.

► Being patient and encouraging to a High C can be valuable to their recovery from fearful events.

Tends To Be Critical and Demanding Under Pressure► High C’s can be quiet demanding of others. If we make a

commitment with a High C personality they will expect us to follow through, and if the agreed upon plan is changed, they will constantly remind us of the changes. Their commitment to excellence can produce negative results.

► Example : Jonah was disappointed the Lord sparing the people of Nineveh.

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Primary High C Personality

(The Objective Thinker Personality)

I. Tendencies of the High C Personality:

Primary drive Being cautious, desires to follow instructions

Personal giftedness Attention to details, validation of data, diplomatic, loyalty

Group giftedness Dependable, the conscience for any group

Potential spiritual gifts Pastor-Teaching, Helps, Service

Internal fears The unknown and undefined

Strength out of control Overanalyzes the importance of issues and data

Under stress becomes Cautious and indecisive

Blind spots Loses sight of the big picture bycontinued focus on details

Needs to work on Letting unimportant details and issues take care of themselves

Best team members I, I/C, I/D, I/S, S/C

II. Biblical Characters Who Represent High C Personality Traits: Luke Esther

III. Further Bible Study: Strengths Luke 1:1-4; Esther 4:1-17, 5:1-6 Weaknesses Esther 5:7-8, Esther 7:1-10

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The High C Personality Traits

(The Objective Thinker Personality)

Positive Traits

High C’s (Objective thinkers) tend to be low-key, factual, and painfully accurate.

They are reliable, precise, conscientious, and tactful. They prefer a predictable environment free of surprises. If change and/or conflict occurs, they tend to become cautious and avoid

the conflict. They will often solicit the advice of several counselors to clarify issues,

mentally cross-check and process the information, then make a decision. They prefer being part of a team and are uneasy about public recognition. Example : Luke best represents this style. He was the most scholarly men

of the N.T. writers. His gospel is one of the most poetic and personal of the four gospels. His writings are accurate and systematic. True to this profile, Luke never mentions his name as the author either of the Gospel of Luke or the Acts of the Apostles.

Value To A Team

Once committed, High C’s are thorough and loyal to completing the task at hand.

Example : Luke recorded Paul’s activities during his three missionary journeys. His detailed accounts give us an accurate record of the historical workings of the first-century church. His recordings of Jesus’ life are characterized as the gospel to the gentiles.

Response To Pressure:

When threatened, High C’s will become cautious and indecisive. On the other hand, if supported and given time, they will often develop a diplomatic and tactful response.

Example : Esther, a classic High C, devised a plan to save her people.

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The High C/S/D Personality

(The Perfectionist Personality)

I. Tendencies of the C/S/D Personality:

Primary drive Validating the accuracy of data, doing things right

Personal giftedness Steadiness in completing the assigned task

Group giftedness Unwavering dependability, commitment to quality

Potential spiritual gifts Pastor-Teacher, Helps, Service

Internal fears Criticism directed toward them

Strength out of control Legalistic interpreting rules andregulations

Under stress becomes Diplomatic with others and/or introspective, self-critical

Blind spots Focusing on the optimistic side ofnew ideas, plans, thoughts

Needs to work on Being critical of self and others, lowering expectations

Best team members I/D, D/I, S/I, I/S

II. Biblical Characters Who Represent C/S/D Personality Traits: Moses Thomas, Namoi (possibly)

III. Further Bible Study: Strengths Ex. 19, 24, 32; Deut. 4 Weaknesses Ex. 3:1-22, 4:1-17

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The C/S/D Personality Traits

(The Perfectionist Personality)

Positive Traits

High C/SD personalities are models of quality control. They respond well to those in authority and follow written and verbal

instructions in a methodical, orderly manner. When giving instructions, C/S/D’s (Perfectionist) give the exact message

with the same intent and spirit of the author. Example : In Exodus 19-23, it is Moses, the Perfectionist, through whom

God chooses to communicate His laws to His people.

Value To A Team

C/S/D’s are critical to a team when high standards and specific procedures are required.

They tend to be reliable, factual, steady, and a stickler for system and order.

Once committed to a plan, C/S/D personalities (Perfectionist) will complete the assigned task without regard to time.

Strength Out Of Control

C/S/D’s put a great deal of emphasis on seeing the hard facts with their own eyes.

They have a tendency to over emphasize observing, validating, studying, and touching the evidence before drawing an conclusions.

Example : Thomas did not believe the stories of Christ resurrection until he could see the nail wounds in His hands and put his fingers into them and place his hand into Jesus’ side.

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The C/I/S Personality

(The Practitioner Personality)

I. Tendencies of the C/I/S Personality:

Primary drive Intense desire to maintain quality;cooperation

Personal giftedness Conscientious in communicatingstandards and traditions

Group giftedness Being able to assume a varietyof functions

Potential spiritual gifts Exhortation, Helps, Knowledge

Internal fears Criticism of personal effort or work

Strength out of control Being confused by the mix ofinternal messages

Under stress becomes Self-critical and paralyzed by emotions

Blind spots Incongruent feelings making logical “bottom-line thinking”difficult

Needs to work on Letting others help, being more open to sharing negative feelings

Best team members D, D/I, D = I, S/D

II. Biblical Characters Who Represent C/I/S Personality Traits: Elijah Deborah (?) Ruth (?)

III. Further Bible Study: Strengths 1 Kings 18:1-46 Weaknesses 1 Kings 19:1-18

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The C/I/S Personality Traits

(The Practitioner Personality)

To understand the C/I/S actions we have to realize that they are driven by the interaction of the separate needs to control, to influence, and to cooperate.

Positive Traits

The C/I/S personality is skilled at breaking down complex ideas into practical steps and systematic procedures. Their thoughts when working on a project often progress from “I’m sure we can find a way to do it” to “This is the right way to do it!”

Example : 1 Kings 18:22-39 Elijah outlines a method for proving who was the true God of Israel: Jehovah or Baal.

Value To The Team

The C/I/S personality often has knowledge about many subjects and can network well among different groups.

They have high ambitions for themselves and others. The C/I/S personality (Practitioner) works hard at becoming a key person

in a specialized field. It is not uncommon for them to strike out on then own, even though they

may have to give up some security that also drives them. Getting the C/I/S personality to discuss their feelings of disappointment

about the performance of others helps resolve potential conflicts.

Response Under Pressure

Unlike the other High C’s, the C/I/S personalities have good verbal skills and can handle most of their conflicts adequately.

Example : In 1 Kings 18:27 was able to face the priests of Baal in the test to burn up the sacrifice placed on the wet wood.

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The High C = S Personality

(The Unidentified Personality)

I. Tendencies of the C/S Personality:

Primary drive Critical thinking, being cooperative,validating data

Personal giftedness Team player, good at followingthrough, commitment to qualityand order

Group giftedness Maintains, traditions, adaptingto those in authority

Potential spiritual gifts Knowledge, Teaching, Service

Internal fears Surprises and illogical thinking

Strength out of control Questions all data for accuracyand flaws

Under stress becomes Introspective and overly concerned with “what ifs”

Blind spots Being preoccupied with havingto resolve every experience logically

Needs to work on Talking about negative thoughts and feelings

Best team members I, I/C, I/S, I/S/C, S

II. Biblical Characters Who Represent C=S Personality Traits: John Mary (?)

III. Further Bible Study: Strengths John 19:26-27; Luke 1:26-56

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Weaknesses Luke 2:15-19; 2:41-51

The High C = S Personality Traits

(The Unidentified Personality)

Positive Traits

The C=S personalities tend to be critical thinkers When asked to perform a new task they often ask clarification questions. They adapt once given logical, affirming reasons for a particular course of

action. They reject interpersonal aggression and like to fit in with the team. In conflictual situations they often withdraw and avoid the conflict. They cooperate with those in authority. Example : Ruth’s story is a good example of a High C=S.

Value To The Team

The C=S personality are loyal team players and are good at following through.

They are stable, accommodating, and faithful. The C=S personality is the model of being available and supportive. Example : At the cross, John was the only one present. Jesus asked him

to take care of Mary who eventually became a part of his household.

Internal Fear

The C=S personality does not like surprises or illogical thinking. They will ask questions in order to validate information and reestablish order and stability.

They prefer to follow traditional rules, regulations, and procedures which provide them with a level of security.

Example : When confronted with her pregnancy (illogical surprise) Mary asked questions about how this was possible. Gabriel answered all of her questions and told her about her aunt Elizabeth. Mary continued to ponder all that had happened.

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Needs Of The Conscientiousness Personality

Introduction:

High C’s have a special talent for organizing and following instructions correctly. They believe that an important part of life is obeying laws, following the rules, and fulfilling commitments.

They believe that if they are compliant good things will happen and, conversely, that if they resist, bad things will happen.

Like High S’s they fear antagonism and confrontation and will avoid situations and people that produce conflict.

This fear based thinking develops into a life-style where pleasing others and conforming to authority become the criteria for measuring success.

Their behavior takes on an “acceptance by performance” theme. The see the path to God’s acceptance as compliance with the dos and don’ts. They have a difficult time accepting the idea that God’s love is not conditional. Their lives become a process of conforming to the “do” lists, which often leads to basing their acceptance upon their ability to live up to prescribed standards of holiness.

Of particular concern are children with a High C or High S personality who also have extremely low D and I traits. These children have a tendency to have very sensitive personalities. These children need parents who are warm, accepting, and encouraging.

A contemporary case study of a High C under stress:

The High C has a tendency to perceive all of the flaws in society, people, a product, anything.

The High C is often labeled the pessimist (being negative); the High I the optimist (life in general is wonderful and upbeat). The High D wants to change the world to meet their desires and wishes, while the High S typically prefers to maintain the status quo.

All four views are normal, God given, and create a necessary balance. To create this balance, initial perceptions must be respected and at the same time be controlled by the Holy Spirit. When such a balance exist, healthy disagreement can take place, so that issues can be clearly defined. The High C makes sure no element is left unnoticed even though others see them as being negative and against any new idea.

High I’s are particularly disturbed by a High C’s mistrust of their input. High C’s typically disagree or recheck their story before even thinking about making a decision.

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High C’s need reassurances of support. Their nature is to gather information and then check and recheck the data until they are sure it is accurate.

High C’s typically choose independent resources to assimilate information into a quality-control check.

High C’s need order and defined responsibility.

Common Responses Of The High C Under Stress

Change in plans or criticism of work.► A change in plans causes the High C to ask many “what about” and

“what if” questions.► High C’s feel secure when they have identified and categorized their

territory.► Internally, they work toward making sure everything is done correctly

and is in its place.► When faced with change, their tendency is to resist. ► They are sensitive to criticism that exposes errors in their work. Even

if the comments are not directly related to them, they have a tendency to take the remarks personally.

► If both change and criticism are present, the High C will feel extremely uncomfortable and experience internal stress.

► Example : In Numbers 11 read about Moses dilemma with the people of Israel.

Stress causes questions to be asked.► The major clue that a High C is under stress is to listen to the kinds of

questions they ask. ► Example : Observe Moses comments in Numbers 11:11-13.

Criticism causes feelings of hopelessness, inadequacy, and of being totally alone.

► When stressed, it is common for the High C to feel that they are the only people in the history of the world to face the problems they are experiencing. They cannot claim the reality of the versus in 1 Peter 5:8-9.

► Example: Read Moses words in Numbers 11:14. In 1 Kings 19:10,14, Elijah expresses similar feelings.

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Partner(s) become impatient with the High C’s questions.

► At this point, no answers will satisfy the High C. It would be best to reject any “poor me” statements, offer support, and end the conversation. They need time to reflect and process.

A Self-Image Breakdown, Can Lead To A“Poor Me” Attitude

► If the High C is allowed to remain locked in their thoughts, they have a tendency to continue to think negative thoughts in their mind until they have a self-image breakdown. Statements that attack their personal worth or value are indicators that a self-image breakdown is about to occur. Severe responses may include thoughts of killing themselves.

► High C’s comment that helping them refocus their thinking and creating and action plan for them are the keys to relieving their stress.

► Example : Moses Numbers 11:15, 1 Kings 19:4 and Jonah 4:3.

The Three R’s in Loving the High C

How To Respond To A High C► Be specific and accurate► Make allowance for initial responses to be cautious and/or negative► Allow freedom to ask questions

How To Relate To A High C► Answer questions in a patient and persistent manner► Mix accurate information with assurances► Allow time to validate information

How To Reinforce The High C ► Provide a step-by-step approach to a goal► Provide reassurances of support► Give permission to validate data with third parties

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Additional Information:

They have a preference for intellectual pursuits.► They enjoy exercising their reasoning abilities.► Intellectual pursuits bring them pleasure and satisfaction. ► The High C perceives the life of the mind of prime importance and

takes precedence over emotions.► Spending hours alone developing new thoughts can be fun and

pleasurable for them.► The High C reads instruction books (maps, etc.) and enjoys it.

When requesting their participation in a project, be prepared to give specific and accurate details.

► The High C’s instinct is to go for the instruction book. So they need specific details, up front, concerning how you want them to act or participate in a project.

► Example : Notice how thoroughly God explained to Moses the details of His plans for the Exodus (Ex.3).

He identified who was making the request. (v. 3) He stated the purpose of His visit. (v.7) He gave Moses a description of His plan. (v. 8a) He told Moses the part he would play in the plan. (v. 10)

Make allowances for initial response to be cautious.► High C’s exercise caution and restraint before committing to a project. ► Moses did not accept God’s call immediately. Read his response in

Ex. v. 11. In classic High C fashion, he states that “I am not the person for the job

Offer assurances of support.► Failure to give them assurance and support makes them feel awkward

for asking questions and makes them vulnerable to internal conflict.

Be prepared to answer questions in a patient and persistent manner.

► The High C’s need for clarification can be annoying to High D’s and High I’s who are more action-oriented.

► Example : Moses asked many questions about the task before him in Ex. 11:13-24.

Provide reassurance that no surprises will occur.► Assurances of no surprise changes will help the High C adapt to any

change. ► Example : Ex. 4:1-2

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Support your plans with accurate data and specific information

► The best way to confirm the accuracy of your communications to a High C is to involve as many of the five senses (sight, touch, taste, hearing, smell) as possible and clarify the who, what, when, where, why, how and degree.

► Example: God clarified His plan for Moses in Ex. 4:3-10.

Strongly reject ny “Poor Me” statements.► High C’s have a tendency to make statements that identify and

magnify their inadequacies.► Always answer High C clarification questions, but do not accept their

statements that discredit or devalue themselves (low self-esteem statements)

Disagree with the facts and not the person.► Remember, High C’s are sensitive people. ► When necessary, disagree with the facts of their communications, but

avoid personal attacks. ► Example : God did not agree with Moses’ inability to speak fluently as

a valid excuse (Ex. 4:11-12, 13)

Be willing to offer assistance and support if their fears persist.

► If the High C’s fears of change become persistent and incapacitating , you may have to provide assistance to help them cope.

► Confrontation is unproductive with High C’s. ► Example: God offered assistance to Moses in Ex. 4:14-17.

They are conscientious, maintain high standards, and complete assignments given to them.

► They can maintain their focus on a project even during extreme difficulties.

► Assigned responsibilities are taken seriously, and they meticulously work on the job until it is done.

► They follow instructions carefully and keep high standards with a commitment to quality.

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The High C’s greatest struggles► Unrealistic expectations of themselves and others. Even their

minimum standards are close to perfection, which is impossible to achieve.

► When they do not meet their own standards they feel like a failure and end up putting themselves down.

► They often keep good ideas to themselves for fear of criticism/rejection.

► They need to learn how to lower their expectations to a reasonable level by getting feedback from supportive friends.

► Clarify role expectations so they know what to expect and can avoid setting unachievable standards.

Difficulties Relating to High C’s

High D: “It is difficult providing the kind of detail they need in order to satisfy their questions.

High I: “To patiently deal with all their questions without getting defensive. Sometimes we just respond without intending to be taken seriously, but High C’s take everything to be a concrete commitment.”

High S: “Consistency in understanding their sensitivity levels.”

High C: “Being able to forgive ourselves and lower our expectations.”

How to Build Better Relationships With High C’s

High D: “If our plan to include them involves change, we shouldn’t expect them to make a decision right away. The loving response is to allow them time to think about the change.”

High I: “Submit to the fact that a little structure in our life won’t hurt us.”

High S: “Understand their sensitivity levels and being more patient with their questions.”

High C: “Being able to state my position, whether it’s popular or not.”

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What High C Skills Do You Most Appreciate?

High D: “High C’s provide us with a commitment to quality control that we need but don’t want to take the time to do ourselves.”

High I: “High C’s are our heavenly sandpaper who remind us when we’ve missed the mark.”

High S: “High C’s have the skill and commitment to check and recheck data until it is right.”

High C: “Critical thinking and commitment to accuracy; having a sensitivity level on a par with each other.”

What High C’s Say About Themselves

High C’s naturally see the flaws within a system and are committed to maintaining quality control.

Knowing their commitment to high standards, the Lord continually raised up High C prophets to speak out when Israel strayed from God.

High C: “I need to know people are willing to listen to me, but I am not asking that people always understand my logic.”

High C/S: ”Be patient with my questions and understand I need time to process your responses. Also, if I cross-check your answers, it doesn’t mean I don’t trust you---I just have to be sure.”

High C/S: “I need an environment that includes patience, understanding, encouragement, and gentle firmness.”

High C/S/D : “Allow me time to adjust to change and give me reasons why it is necessary.”

High C/I/S : “I need an environment that exhibits acceptance, forgiveness, honesty, and logical thinking.

“I often have several messages going on in my head. I frequently am confused by my mixed emotions. Be patient with me and be willing to give me nonjudgmental feedback.”

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How To Respond To A High C Under Stress

High C : “Allow me to be alone with my thoughts until I am ready to talk. I need time to process all the information.”

High C/S/D : “Give me the freedom to express my true feelings and understand that they are real to me. You can offer a different point of view, but don’t expect or demand me to agree with you right away.”

High C/S : “After I hear your input, let me get off by myself and give me the freedom to talk with someone else.”

High C/I/S : “Let me verbalize my feelings, but don’t judge me for them. Be patient with me.”

“Help me to refocus my thoughts; give me something to do, but reassure me as to how you will support me if I need help.”

Summary:

Conscientiousness persons have the potential to be extremely valuable members of the Body of Christ. However, when loaded down with stress their behavior is misunderstood.

Because they are private individuals with extremely high standards, they often have thoughts of unworthiness and feel uncomfortable sharing their innermost thoughts and struggles.

When often perceive High C’s as people who are trying to be perfect and committed to a performance process that is impossible to achieve.

It is important that we help them process information, respect their need for time, listen to their problems, and are supportive when they seek help.

Revised: 11/2006 by Dr. Richard Carr

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