Let Go

Too often leaders try to take control of situations that are out of their control. The objective is to take a shortcut to a result.

For instance, we:

• Buy lottery tickets or gamble in other ways in an attempt to control the timeframe of our financial success.
• Drink coffee or energy drinks to control when we are alert no matter how unbalanced our lifestyle is.

But what about in leadership? We:

• Hire people quickly to control the timeframe to fill a seat rather than confirm the job candidate is a good match.
• Not pay people based on results because we want to control expenses rather than motivate superior performance.
• Not set clear, measurable goals for our people because we want to control what they are doing at a whim.

The time and struggle it takes to accomplish results is a blessing, not a curse. As Saint Paul once wrote, "… we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us..."

I am not recommending that you do not work creatively to accomplish results in the shortest time possible. I am suggesting that our pride subconsciously tempts us to take control of situations we should be working through or avoid actions we should be taking.

Choose wisely the level of control you are exerting in your leadership role.  Not only is this important for your productivity, but you are setting the example for others.  It may be time to “let go” in some areas.

Let Go is an observation that will be difficult for many people to consider.  Micromanagers do not typically want to consider how they are over managing and in contrast, managers who are not systematically leading their people have difficulty comprehending the value of truly being a leader.

Here are some questions to consider this topic with your team:

1. Describe a shortcut you tried to take in a task, project or part of your career that did not work out.  What were you trying to control?
2. What is one activity you are avoiding that would you make you a more effective leader?
3. As an organization what process are we doing poorly because we are primarily trying to control the profit rather than delivering a superior client experience?

LET GO is an observation that will be difficult for many people to consider.  Micromanagers do not typically want to consider how they are over managing and in contrast, managers who are not systematically leading their people have difficulty comprehending the value of truly being a leader.

Here are some questions to consider this topic with your team:

1. Describe a shortcut you tried to take in a task, project or part of your career that did not work out.  What were you trying to control?
2. What is one activity you are avoiding that would you make you a more effective leader?
3. As an organization what process are we doing poorly because we are primarily trying to control the profit rather than delivering a superior client experience?