Out-of-Control Leadership
We all want control.
We want to control our finances, our projects, our teams, our relationships, our future. We yearn for that sense of security that control promises. Just look around—nine out of ten advertisements are selling you some form of control.
Control, however, is an illusion and the security it offers is hollow.
Truth is, there are a million things just beyond your grasp at any given moment. The weather. The price of oil. The competition. The people around you. Your next breath.
You can respond to that truth in 3 ways:
- Do Nothing and be tossed around by the wind and waves of life.
- Try to control the uncontrollable and wear yourself out in the process.
- Learn to adapt to any situation life throws at you.
Exceptional leaders don’t waste time trying to change the wind—they learn how to sail. An experienced sailor can use wind from any direction to propel her boat in the direction she desires. Depending on how she trims the boat and sails, she can run with the wind, cut at right angles or even beat a course upwind. She can’t control the wind, but she can use it.
In the same way, exceptional leaders adapt to changing environments, harness the emotions in a situation, and adapt to the needs of those around them.
True power doesn’t come from control—that’s a small, limited substitute for power. True power belongs to those who can harness the uncontrollable, adapt to the inconceivable, and maneuver in the unknown to accomplish their goals. This is true power, true security, and true freedom.
How are you at Out-of-Control Leadership?
Leave a comment
Geoffrey Webb 
Your post reminds us that there are no written rules or how to guidebooks when you are at the front leading in uncharted situations.
People today are much smarter. They value authenticity and can sense spin in seconds. It is interesting to watch leaders who have command presence and can adapt their message in any situation. In order to succeed in investment banking and politics you need some of these magical qualities. Getting people to trust you is a whole other story.
One of the keys to leadership is to have confidence in others. In so doing, they will surprise you with the results and solutions achieved.
Control as you suggest is fleeting. @nglobaltime
Control is definitely fleeting. If you ever manage to scrape some together you end up spending all your energy trying to keep it.
Thanks for sharing!
Love that quote, “Exceptional leaders don’t waste time trying to change the wind—they learn how to sail.” Is that yours?
Yeah, I made that up; but if I were you, I’d just quote me a few times then act like you said it. 😉