When it comes to leadership, there’s a common challenge that undermines a leader’s ability to inspire great performance and talent retention. It’s the need to CONTROL, and it’s DEADLY to almost everything that makes your team a place people actually want to work.
But did you know that the need to control is driven by fear? It makes sense, right? Controlling leaders fear that their team will do things differently than how they would do them themselves.
Consider for a moment the remote control analogy. Just as someone clings to the remote out of a desire to dictate every channel change, controlling leaders grasp onto tasks, decisions, and processes.
However, the need to control stifles growth, innovation, and the fostering of a collaborative environment. It’s a barrier to cultivating an empowered team that thrives on autonomy, trusts in its capabilities, and embraces diverse perspectives.
So, how can we break free from this cycle of control? Consider these self-reflection questions.
Here are three pivotal questions to ponder:
- How do I feel about letting go of things?Consider your comfort level with delegating tasks and decision-making authority.
- How often do I expect status updates? While staying informed is essential, excessive monitoring can signal a lack of trust and autonomy within the team.
- How do I react to the mistakes of others? Examine your response to errors and setbacks.
Asking ourselves these questions can help us become aware of how our need for control can sometimes be an issue for others—whether it’s intentional or not.
At Slingshot25, we work with leaders every day who need extra help and want to improve their blind spots so they can be better leaders. Visit our website at Slingshot25.com for more information about Slingshot25 and our work with teams around the world.