Confession: I am a recovering control freak. I don’t HAVE to be in charge, but I don’t mind leading, especially if there is not someone who wants to. 
Recently I have been reading the book Herding Tigers by Todd Henry. In this book about leading creative teams, he makes a statement that applies to leading any team:
“Influencers teach principles; control freaks deal in absolutes.”
I am going to unpack this a bit for us to help us learn how to lead from influence instead of control. Let’s look at the ABC’s of leading from influence instead of control.
Appreciate Individuality
Each of us is different, and we are predictably different. Whether this is our personality and how we communicate or what gives us energy in how we approach our work. Everyone has various backgrounds and experiences; therefore, our individual perspectives can help improve a project in various ways. As the leader, take time to appreciate individual differences and allow people to reach the goal in their unique way.
Be Clear on Expectations
I am not suggesting that as we appreciate individuality we lead chaos. The best way to think of this is creating a fence. When we were kids and played on a playground if we had a fence we felt free to roam anywhere within the boundary. Your team needs a clear objective and a fence to clarify what lines not to cross. Remember, though, do not make the fence so small the team feels no freedom to use their individual gifts, talents, and unique ways of thinking.
Expectations create the principles to guide a team. The objective defines the result you desire. Be clear on both and allow your team freedom to get there how they want.
Consider Your Team’s Perspective
As a leader, you have multiple projects you manage and responsibilities to take care of. If you are not careful, you may fly in and dump your expectations without slowing down to consider the team. How much capacity does the team have? Do they need some training from you? Because of their personalities, do they need time to ask questions?
When delegating to your team or starting up a new initiative, slow down enough to listen and learn where they are. You probably are ten steps ahead and may need to slow down to meet them where they are. Walk with them awhile and give them principles to help them make their own decisions. Teach them how to think and don’t do the thinking for them. They will feel empowered and not controlled.
Determine What is Best for the Team
You have been thinking about your vision for months. You probably think it is a great idea. May I suggest you slow down a minute to get input from the team? If we plow ahead and dictate, people will feel controlled and not heard.
Paint the picture of where you want to go and then listen to what your team is saying. They may know something you have not considered. They have unique perspectives and as a group you must consider what is best for the team not just some individual’s ego. The team may not be in unanimous agreement, but if most agree the action is best for the team then move forward.
Control feels fast while influence feels slow. The reality is when we lead by influence more people take ownership and we build a team. Alone we can go fast, but with a team we can go far. When you look at these four areas, which do you need to grow in? Need help talking through some challenging issues with your team? Consider The Maxwell Leadership Game as a tool to help open up communication on your team. Keep growing your influence and growing your team. Lead well.
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