The Conscientious Personality
(The Objective Thinker Personality)
Introduction
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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
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Luke, Ester
Moses, Thomas,
Naomi (?)
Elijah, Deborah, Ruth
John, Mary (?)
Objective Thinker
Perfectionist
(Primary High C)
(C/S/D)
Cooperator
Unknown
(C/I/S)
(C=S)
Tendencies of the Conscientiousness Personality
Focuses on the Product Rather Than Process:
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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
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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
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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
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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.
II.
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 by
continued 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
Biblical Characters Who Represent High C
Personality Traits:
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III.
Luke
Esther
Further Bible Study:
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Strengths
Weaknesses
Luke 1:1-4; Esther 4:1-17, 5:1-6
Esther 5:7-8, Esther 7:1-10
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The High C Personality Traits
(The Objective Thinker Personality)
Positive Traits
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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
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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:
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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.
II.
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 and
regulations
Under stress becomes
Diplomatic with others and/or
introspective, self-critical
Blind spots
Focusing on the optimistic side of
new 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
Biblical Characters Who Represent C/S/D
Personality Traits:
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III.
Moses
Thomas, Namoi (possibly)
Further Bible Study:
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Strengths
Weaknesses
Ex. 19, 24, 32; Deut. 4
Ex. 3:1-22, 4:1-17
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The C/S/D Personality Traits
(The Perfectionist Personality)
Positive Traits
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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
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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
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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.
II.
Tendencies of the C/I/S Personality:
Primary drive
Intense desire to maintain quality;
cooperation
Personal giftedness
Conscientious in communicating
standards and traditions
Group giftedness
Being able to assume a variety
of functions
Potential spiritual gifts
Exhortation, Helps, Knowledge
Internal fears
Criticism of personal effort or
work
Strength out of control
Being confused by the mix of
internal 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
Biblical Characters Who Represent C/I/S
Personality Traits:
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III.
Elijah
Deborah (?)
Ruth (?)
Further Bible Study:
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Strengths
Weaknesses
1 Kings 18:1-46
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
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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
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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
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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.
II.
Tendencies of the C/S Personality:
Primary drive
Critical thinking, being cooperative,
validating data
Personal giftedness
Team player, good at following
through, commitment to quality
and order
Group giftedness
Maintains, traditions, adapting
to those in authority
Potential spiritual gifts
Knowledge, Teaching, Service
Internal fears
Surprises and illogical thinking
Strength out of control
Questions all data for accuracy
and flaws
Under stress becomes
Introspective and overly
concerned with “what ifs”
Blind spots
Being preoccupied with having
to 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
Biblical Characters Who Represent C=S Personality
Traits:
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III.
John
Mary (?)
Further Bible Study:
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Strengths
Weaknesses
John 19:26-27; Luke 1:26-56
Luke 2:15-19; 2:41-51
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The High C = S Personality Traits
(The Unidentified Personality)
Positive Traits
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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
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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
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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:
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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:
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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
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High D: “It is difficult providing the kind of detail they need in order to satisfy
their questions.
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High I:
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High S: “Consistency in understanding their sensitivity levels.”
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High C: “Being able to forgive ourselves and lower our expectations.”
“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.”
How to Build Better Relationships With High C’s
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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.”
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High I:
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High S: “Understand their sensitivity levels and being more patient with their
questions.”
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High C: “Being able to state my position, whether it’s popular or not.”
“Submit to the fact that a little structure in our life won’t hurt us.”
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What High C Skills Do You Most Appreciate?
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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.”
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High I:
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High S: “High C’s have the skill and commitment to check and recheck data
until it is right.”
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High C: “Critical thinking and commitment to accuracy; having a sensitivity
level on a par with each other.”
“High C’s are our heavenly sandpaper who remind us when we’ve
missed the mark.”
What High C’s Say About Themselves
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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.
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High C:
“I need to know people are willing to listen to me, but I am not
asking that people always understand my logic.”
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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.”
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High C/S:
“I need an environment that includes patience, understanding,
encouragement, and gentle firmness.”
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High C/S/D: “Allow me time to adjust to change and give me reasons why it
is necessary.”
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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
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High C:
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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.”
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High C/S:
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High C/I/S: “Let me verbalize my feelings, but don’t judge me for them. Be
patient with me.”
“Allow me to be alone with my thoughts until I am ready to talk.
I need time to process all the information.”
“After I hear your input, let me get off by myself and give me the
freedom to talk with someone else.”
“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:
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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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