Craig T. Owens

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Imagine your organization as a cruise ship you’re the captain of. It is your responsibility to man the helm, keeping the vessel away from danger and navigating to the correct destination. Along the way you decide that the guests’ towels need to be folded a particular way, so you step away from your post for hours to meticulously fold them to your exact specifications. You do a great job but in your absence the ship is listless, veering off course into dangerous waters. 

Of course it’s very likely you won’t find yourself in this exact situation, but the same logic can be applied to our terrestrial pursuits as well. In today’s episode, Greg and I discuss why it’s important for leaders to remain in control, but also vital that we don’t become controlling.

• [1:00] How could a leader self-assess to make sure they are properly balanced in the way they control their organization? 
• [3:38] Being organized is not a problem, but controlling the organization becomes the problem.
• [4:50] I point out the differences between a productive river and a destructive flood.
• [6:00] Controlling leaders stifle creativity and innovation.
• [8:25] Tim Irwin’s book Derailed talks about how micro-managing has led to the collapse of many successful organizations.
• [12:41] Over-controlling leaders are risk-adverse and untrusting of others on their team.
• [14:13] The value of a coach is getting answers that others on your team aren’t giving you.
• [17:12] Greg shares a quote about self-discipline as it relates to the proper balance of healthy control.
• [18:20] Your teammates want your confidence, not your control.
• [19:44] Leaders, it’s time for you to look in the mirror.

Check out this episode and subscribe on YouTube so you can watch all of the upcoming episodes. You can also listen to our podcast on Spotify and Apple.