The network for creative professionals in Devon
Loosing control
We are starting to lose control. As new business models emerge and people demand better experiences, we are having to shift our behaviour from a controlling state to an influencing agenda. Control has always been used by individuals who were insecure and under confident.
As James Arthur Ray quotes “Control is never achieved when sought directly. It is the surprising outcome of letting go.” We see people struggling with the concept everyday in the workplace, as customers and by observing others! We have been used to and brought up to regulate processes, limit potential, restrict activity and temper decision making by other people. Its become a natural form of management reinforced by education and sitting ‘next to nellie.’ As that controlling behaviour is now being superseded by more positive action such as inspiration, involvement and sharing, they feel more threatened. It creeps into their everyday demeanour and becomes more prevalent. It can even get a bit ugly, foot stamping, shouting, playground stuff!
Control is not a bad thing. Processes, systems and procedures need to be controlled but not people. There are three types of control:
1. In control - able to direct a situation with calm, composure and serenity
2. Out of control - no longer possible to manage or lead that person
3. Under control - being restricted, limited, contained by someone
The business of work dictates being in control of oneself as that is the only thing you can control. Try controlling others and you are in heaps of trouble not to say demonstrating your inabilities to lead, think, inspire and challenge. Controlling others are mere distant behaviours with their own graveyard. Its actually about being able to lose control, to gain the power to influence, engage and inspire.
As James Arthur Ray quotes “Control is never achieved when sought directly. It is the surprising outcome of letting go.” We see people struggling with the concept everyday in the workplace, as customers and by observing others! We have been used to and brought up to regulate processes, limit potential, restrict activity and temper decision making by other people. Its become a natural form of management reinforced by education and sitting ‘next to nellie.’ As that controlling behaviour is now being superseded by more positive action such as inspiration, involvement and sharing, they feel more threatened. It creeps into their everyday demeanour and becomes more prevalent. It can even get a bit ugly, foot stamping, shouting, playground stuff!
Control is not a bad thing. Processes, systems and procedures need to be controlled but not people. There are three types of control:
1. In control - able to direct a situation with calm, composure and serenity
2. Out of control - no longer possible to manage or lead that person
3. Under control - being restricted, limited, contained by someone
The business of work dictates being in control of oneself as that is the only thing you can control. Try controlling others and you are in heaps of trouble not to say demonstrating your inabilities to lead, think, inspire and challenge. Controlling others are mere distant behaviours with their own graveyard. Its actually about being able to lose control, to gain the power to influence, engage and inspire.
Add a Comment
About
Badge
© 2009 Created by Tim Burley on Ning. Create Your Own Social Network
You need to be a member of Designed in Devon to add comments!
Join this social network