Working with Analytical-Obsessive People

Analytical-obsessive people are masters of all things logical and procedural. They've high standards and are systematic in their approach. They like to "follow the rules" and see things through to completion. Now obviously there's a great need for people like this in business, but when you're trying something new, be prepared and approach with caution.

Julia and Ashley are in a meeting.] JULIA: Hey look, I got the report on the re-brand, and it was really detailed, and I totally get your concerns now.

ASHLEY: Phew. I was worried. So we're sticking with the current design then?

JULIA: Actually, Tom was just saying we've been shortlisted for an industry prize, and our digital strategy is one of the main things we'll be judged on.

ASHLEY: Oh... [Ashley hangs her head.]

JULIA: Yeah, so the refresh is even more urgent now.

ASHLEY: But the current system is perfect. I really don't want to mess with it. I mean, you saw the details in the report-

JULIA: It was the details in the report that inspired me. Look, I have an idea. What if we upgrade our servers, and run the site simultaneously until we're both confident it's stable.

ASHLEY: So maintain our backend for the customer portal. [Ashley considers the idea.] I see… Might work. [Julia is pleased.]

JULIA: Let's run through it step by step.

Ashley's an analytical-obsessive person. A person who's very detail oriented but can be risk averse. A common mistake is trying to get these people to let go of an idea or problem, without acknowledging their work or easing their concerns. Julia didn't do that. She thanked Ashley for her report and accepted her concerns. She wasn't critical or argumentative – behavior such people shy away from. No. She convinced Ashley of the importance of the re branding, and addressed her apprehensions. When suggesting they go over the steps together at the end, Julia spoke in the logical language analytical-obsessive people respond to.

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