The primary strengths associated with this need include: forcefulness, clarity of task, and a sense of responsibility. People with a high need for control are often willing to stand out front and accept the consequences of whatever comes from actions that they take or the group takes (internal locus of control). When the need for control is overwhelming, these strengths can be overused or misused. The high control person can become domineering, rigid, and insensitive. She will override other people in order to engage in whatever she believes is absolutely the right thing to do.
Openness
This need is aligned with the Near/Far dimension of interpersonal relationships. It is most apparent in the third interpersonal or group developmental stage (Tuckman’s “Norming” stage). The primary focus associated with this need is: be very careful about and concerned with the pattern of interpersonal or group relationships. Trust is critical here—all three forms of trust. Is this person or group really interested in establishing fair and interpersonally-sensitive norms (trust in intentions)? Is this person or group competent in establishing and enforcing appropriate norms? Do we mean the same thing when we talk about establishing norms (trust in perspective)? Once again, a person with a high need for openness wants to determine (or at least strongly influence) when and where he will be open (Quad 3-I to Quad 1-I) and who will be open with him regarding specific interpersonal issues (Quad 2-I to Quad One-E).
The primary strengths associated with people who tend to have a strong need for openness are: accommodating, interactive, and empathetic. They are able and willing to adjust their own style and needs to accommodate the styles and needs of other people. When there is an inappropriate or overwhelming need for openness then these strengths get overused or misuse. The person with high openness needs becomes self-sacrificing, insipid, and intrusive. He gives away too much in order to feel wanted and influential. This leads, in turn, to resentment about this sacrifice.
