Do you have what it takes to be a controller? What does it mean to have the controller mindset and conduct? Don’t be scared by the term of controller. As you learn their attributes in this chapter, you are going to be equipped to deal with them effectively. This chapter talks about:

1. The Attributes of the Controller Personality
2. A Controller’s Strengths
3. A Controller’s Weaknesses
4. How to Deal With a Controller?

Not all of us like the terms of controllers but you will learn exactly why you need these controllers on earth to make the world a better place to be.

The Attributes of the Controller Personality

A controller is usually someone who takes initiative in doing things naturally. They are the ones who have no problems with decision making. These people appear to be strong-willed, confident, capable and efficient. When controllers are hanging out with their friends, they will come out with ideas of the activities.

They will decide where the places will be and who will be in-charge of a certain task. When a controller is running his own company, he knows exactly which direction to head to. In a family, if a husband is a controller, the wife and children will not need to worry about a thing simply because the husband has already made all the decisions.

This group of people is very task-oriented. Whenever a task is given to them, you can be sure they are in good hands and know they will get it done on time. Their motto is this – no matter what it takes, it has to be done. How about the sensitive side of them?

Well, if you are a lady and looking for a new age sensitive guy, controllers are going to disappoint you. Controllers appear to be insensitive and emotions will not normally affect them in any way. While some of your friends may not even dare to confront you of your wrongdoings, these people have no problems with it comes to confrontation.

A controller’s strengths

• Get things done: A controller’s performance is always almost certain. Not only that they get things done right, but also fast and on time. They will use all the resources available and the only thing they want to save is time. Even money is not so much of a big deal when it comes to solving problems.

• Remain calm under pressure: Have you seen people who cannot work under pressure? Are you one of them? If you are, controllers can definitely help you to overcome if you model after their character. They remain calm when problems arise and are still able to make rational and wise decisions.

• Innovative: Yes, they are innovative. If you put them in the middle of a jungle, they are probably the last ones to starve to death because they will find various ways to keep themselves alive.

If you have heard Air Asia, a budget domestic airline in Malaysia, they are pretty good in innovation. The CEO, Tony Fernandes took over the directorship of the airline while it was still losing money. However, through his innovative creativity, he was able to turn the airlines around. He changed the entire booking system to online and sales started to boost.

It has expanded and still expanding ever since. Not only they are routing domestic flights today, they are also operating flights to other countries like Singapore, Indonesia, Macau, England, Australia and New Zealand. Even MAS Airlines (Malaysia Airlines), couldn’t keep up with the competition. I like their motto and it goes like this – We Innovate, Others Imitate!

• Recognized Leadership: Since controllers are the ones who start the ball rolling, they are often recognized of their leadership and authorities. Some people call them the born leader, even many leaders are made.

A Controller’s Weaknesses

Weak in support: A controller is usually weak in support. In layman’s term, if you are looking for encouragement or support when you are down emotionally, controller is probably the last person you want to go to. You would probably hear from term phrases like, “just face it”, “get a life”, or “just move on, what’s the big deal” and these are the words you do not want to hear when you are down.

Relationships may not be their first priority: While many of them are married and have children, to some controllers relationships may not be their first priority. Even they may present during your family outing but corporal ideas are spinning in their heads most of the time.

Neglect the feelings of others: Don’t be surprised if controllers push you too hard in what you do because in their minds, results are all that matter. You may be thinking about having a great night out with your friends and yet at the same time, your boss needs to you to work overtime in order to meet deadlines.

How to deal with controllers?

Now that you know the attributes, strengths and weaknesses of a controller and how do you actually deal with them? There are tons of ways, really but for the purpose of this e-book, I will share few practical points so that you can use them in time of need.

Be submissive: Submission basically means to obey and do what your superior asks you to do (within the legal boundaries). Digging deeper, submission is more than just obedience and conduct. If you think about it, submission comes when there is disagreement. Even when there are times you do not agree with your boss’ idea, you will still have to submit to him. If you never know, bosses favor those subordinates who submit to them rather than those who are against them.

Know what is best for them: This can be easier for you now as you already know what they have in mind already – results. So whenever you work with them, you must work for their best interests. I know we mentioned about submission in the previous points but will it be possible for your boss to implement the ideas you have in mind?

The answer is a very resounding yes! It is when your idea is perceived to be much more workable, effective and practical than your boss’ idea. When he knows your ideas will help him to achieve the goals (which is to make bucket loads of money, branding or involves in charity) of the company, he will have no problems saying ‘yes’ to your proposed ideas. It is simply for the good of the company.

Excerpted from the book The 9 Personality Types.

This excerpt has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Download this book on Boostlane:

https://boostlane.com/p/boostlane/855/the-9-personality-types/