Control Freak? Is This You?

“Hi, I’m Kevin and I’m a control freak.”

A recovering control freak. I used to believe that I was the only person who could successfully complete any project or job under my direction. I had to be in control of every detail and make every decision.

As an employer and active control freak, I was a true micro-manager. I just knew that every success depended completely upon me. Oh, sure, I had great employees and I was paying my team top dollar - but I still didn’t completely trust their judgement or expertise. I knew that my guys could accomplish the task, however no one could do it just like me which, in my opinion, was “the best way.” (Over-inflated ego run rampant!) I thought that no one else could complete anything “just right” without my constant hovering and input.

I did not realize that my constant micro-management was eroding any confidence my employees had in themselves  - and in the company itself. I didn’t realize my control issues were actually costing my business - in production and performance by both myself and my employees. One moment comes to mind: I was on the scene during the operation of a difficult task when one of my guys gave me a look that said, “What do I do now?” even though he was a skilled technician, with all the training and certifications to be the very best. I had spent so much time hovering and crowding my guys, they had stopped analyzing their work situations for fear of being undermined or second-guessed or, worse yet, chastised for not accomplishing things “just so.”

Once I made the decision to become a Freedom Chaser, it became clear that I needed to learn to let go of some things. One of the things I had to let go of was my over-inflated ego - the part of me that kept telling me I was the only one who could make sure things turned out right. It was at this moment of personal development that I realized I was the eroding factor in my business struggles - not the saving factor my ego told me I was.

Micro-managing takes a leader away from what he (or she) should be focused on - operating in their own area of expertise. When I focus on what I should be doing, I can allow others to operate in their areas of expertise, as well. Making sure I had the best-trained employees did no good until I gave the professionals under my direction the freedom to make their own decisions and, yes, even to make an occasional mistake.

When I began to allow my individual team members to operate within their area of expertise - without me undermining their confidence in their skills - I could actually see their creativity flourish. Their new-found freedom and the trust I gave them, allowed them to think and analyze for themselves. They began to make decisions more quickly, trusting their own judgement, and were much happier on the job. The entire company profited, from both morale and financial standpoints.

There isn’t much that can kill a spirit of a professional quicker than a superior who is a smothering, un-trusting, ego-maniacal control freak. Is it time for you to let go?

As always, I look forward to your feedback…

Tags: Control freak, Micromanagement, Personal Development