Question

Leadership is influence. you have determined through observable behaviors that one of your team members is a controller. what is the best way to "influence" this person?

Answer 1

For the team member that you have observed being a controller, do not talk to him her in front of others. If you set up a meeting, make sure it is in a private area. What is a controller, do they want to accomplish the task but have a hard time working with others? Could he/she have been taken advantage of in another job? It could be a defense mechanism.

Start off with noticing how hard he works to get the job done. Let him know that you suspect he likes a leadership position with the team. Let him know that his leadership style is starting to look like a controller. PAUSE...WAIT UNTIL HE RESPONDS. LET THERE BE SOME SILENCE SO THAT HE CAN TAKE IT IN. He will start talking and from there you will be able to determine how to handle the situation. Not all controllers are the same, I hate stereotyping the one size fits all approach. Make sure you actively listen and you will be able to handle this.