December 20th, 2011 
Rusty Barnhill 
Andrew Keen, a columnist at TechCrunch, posted yesterday the final section of his interview with Walter Issacson, the writer of the Steve Jobs autobiography. The column authoritatively labels Jobs a “control freak” and highlights the autobiographer’s remark that, “Sometimes it’s nice to be in the hands of a control freak.” On the other end of the leadership spectrum is the individual who is laid back. The ideal version of both is to get results, so is it ‘nicer’ to sometimes be in the hands of a control freak, or one who is laid back?
Let’s take a look at some of the characteristics of a control freak:
Described by most people as picky and critical, as well as controlling.
Loves order and established routines. Don’t even think about touching things on his or her desk. Watch out if his or her plans have to be rearranged.
Always needs to be right.
Tells you who you are and what you think.
Implies that you’re wrong or inadequate when you don’t agree.
Feels attacked when questioned.
Doesn’t seem to really see or hear you.
Would rather give orders than take them.
Hangs onto a project forever because he or she wants it to be perfect.
His or her controlling ways make other people feel anxious, if not alienated.
Snoops around where he or she doesn’t belong.
Feels most comfortable when in charge.
Winning an argument is more important than finding the best solution.
Not getting what he or she wants is met with anger, pouting or the silent treatment.
Some of the ideals of a laid back person are:
Life goes on.
You win some, you lose some.
This, too, shall pass.
You can’t please everybody.
We live and learn.
Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Remember that sometimes bad things lead to the best things.
Before you say no, think “why not?”
There is a sort of confidence associated with a control freak that is similar to doing math–you know that 2+2 will equal 4, and with a control freak you know that there is a high possibility of getting a quality product. There is also a sort of confidence with someone who will be calm in a crisis. So which do you think is better in a given situation, the control freak or the laid back person?
