Finally, we get to the style that needs almost no introduction. After all my blogs on behavioral styles, talking about Judges, Meteors and Rocks…we get to the style that really doesn’t need defining. Everyone can probably tell you most of the characteristics of this last style, the Detailer. We all know someone who must have everything in writing, is such a perfectionist that we must literally pull things from his grip since he wants to check things one last time.
We know these folks are quantitative, critical thinkers, structured, dislike change, are usually introverts and think in a regimented fashion. What we often forget is this literal, logical, often uptight and always structured personality type is just as vibrant and interesting and exciting as other types, they just keep things well under wraps. They prefer to be alone or with just a few people and yet despite their solitary nature, the Detailer will surprise you by being loyal when the going gets rough. Though this style isn’t overtly people-oriented, in crunch situations the Detailer often tries to see that everyone is treated fairly.
Detailers tend to be controlled. They like rules and the enforcement thereof. They tend to be sequential thinkers —meaning they start at the beginning and work their way linearly through a problem. Detailers are the least likely to “think outside of the box.” They are usually non-assertive in the workplace and non-responsive in a confrontation. This means they will avoid stress and people who cause it. For any project requiring a painstaking approach, it is important to get The Detailer on your side, for they are prudent, task-oriented and systematic.
Detailers tend to have higher levels of serotonin, which promotes orderly, cautious behavior and respect for authority. More than any other type they can tolerate repetition or tedious types of work; they are also the most predictable. They love planning far ahead, know where everything is at all times, and dislike intensely anything that gets in the way of their order and structure.
Upside of working with a Detailer: You will not have to remind them of anything; they already know, and will probably be the ones reminding you. They are reliable, efficient, will never keep you waiting, and will create a strong, structured environment at work.
Downside of working with a Detailer: They tend to be controlling. They like to have everything in writing, needing all documentation for any situation, and as I already said, paperwork and detail are their friends. If you are working with a Detailer they will need more documentation, more information, and will demand more perfection from you than other types.
You should:
•Give them all the detail they need, and be prepared to know where everything is within a project or task.
•Let the Detailer do something his/her own way, even if you know a better solution. You can carefully suggest change, but don’t expect the Detailer to jump at your suggestion.
•Follow routines and stick to them. The more you do, the more trust and rapport you will build with the Detailer.
•Adhere to whatever written or unwritten rules the Detailer has created. Where other types might know rules but bend them, the Detailer feels strongly about the importance of rules, so go with what’s really important to this type of individual
You should not:
•Go in to any meeting with a Detailer unprepared, without all the detail needed
•Change plans without informing them, or act spontaneously
•Give them information without proofing it more than once. More than any other type they expect perfection from everyone
•Try to force change rapidly, if at all. Understand the mind set instead, and be creative within the framework of those parameters.
Because Detailers tend to be the most critical of the styles, they are often very hard on themselves, and on others. They’re not good at giving compliments or expressions of appreciation and dislike taking risks, feeling comfortable with the saying “better safe than sorry.” They agonize over decisions and become stressed about even small decisions such as what to order when eating out or what to put first on the agenda. And they avoid conflict, often shelving important decisions because it’s easier than getting in an uncomfortable situation to resolve an issue.
So what does this all mean? Like every other style I’ve talked about it takes stepping back, letting go of preconceived ideas and realizing that Detailers just see the world through a different lens. They may feel as deeply about an issue as anyone else, but they’ll probably talk about facts rather than feelings. More than any other group we need to cut them some slack. We couldn’t do without them and we can continually learn a great deal from them. Just don’t expect or ask them to be the life of the party or give a compliment. As an example I once asked my Detailer boyfriend (I should have known better) why those actresses always looked great in movies when they woke up in the morning, but I always had mascara under my eyes; not very glamorous. He turned to me and stated simply, “because you don’t wash your face.” Now I’ve mentioned this before in my blogs, but any woman out there would know I was fishing for a compliment. But no, he reported the facts, as accurately as he could. Aaugh!
However by understanding the Detailers’ amazing gifts and talents,we can stop being exasperated over their perfectionist tendencies, their black and white view of the landscape, and appreciate the great qualities they bring to the table!
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