PeopleSmart in Business eBook - The Platinum Rule

their need for control, this helps us better understand the emphasis on
getting down to the bottom line results.
Masters of “mind control”
Th ey may use various “mind control” techniques to help them focus
on one task priority at a time. For instance, some are adept at blocking
out distractions when they immerse themselves in projects. Th ey
don’t hear voices, sirens, or doorbells. Th ey seem to channel all their
energies into specifi c jobs. Similarly, in a summer biology class, the instructor,
Dr. Rains, seemed oblivious to the smell (and the grumbling)
when his students dissected decomposed fi sh. While the class choked
and hurried from their desks to the windows to gulp for air, Dr. Rains
instructed them like the odor were an everyday occurrence. No big
deal. Not to him, anyway.
Venting relieves their tension
Under pressure, Dominant Directors are likely to rid themselves of
anger by ranting, raving, or challenging others. Th ey naturally react to
tense situations with a fi ght response. Th is tendency refl ects the Dominant
Directors’ natural blind spots concerning other people’s views
and feelings. Although this venting allows the relief of their own inner
tensions and hostilities, other personality types may feel intimidated
by this natural, (for them!) stress reducing practice. But the Dominant
Directors’ barks usually exceed their bites, and they may soon forget
what specifi cally upset them in the fi rst place.
“Watch this performance”
Dominant Director musicians and performers typically seek to simultaneously
command the stage and awe their audience. Th ey envision
themselves rising above their admirers and peers and moving
into the position of number one, the best ever. Vince Lombardi, the
former coach of the Green Bay Packers, coined this typical Dominant
Director statement: “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.”
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