In our previous post about values, we shared how each style has one core value. This doesn’t mean these are just for one style—they’re often shared by all the styles. They’re also not the sole core value someone might hold, but they tend to get top billing based on someone’s style preference.
Individuals with a Controller behavior style preference have a core value of Respect, which links to their ability to use their talents, skills, and experience to take action quickly and get things done. When someone takes away or reduces their ability to get results, it is interpreted as an act of disrespect. In their thinking, it is very difficult to understand why someone would do something that inhibits their ability to accomplish what needs to be accomplished.
For some styles, this type of violation can be about how they feel. However, for individuals with a Controller preference, respecting their ability to do things quickly is not about an emotion; it’s about the task. They know they excel at speed and efficiency. So, the perception of a lack of respect for their ability to get results can trigger the tension-reaction behavior of taking control, which is an overuse of their greatest strength and relates to their driving need (to be in control).
By recognizing the importance of this core value, we can better understand why our Controller coworker, family member, or friend might start asserting more control. Even if there wasn’t a deliberate attempt to limit their authority over a task, they might have interpreted certain words or actions that way.
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