You call it excellence. However, your team calls it exhausting. The line between a dedicated worker and a control freak is thin. While you care about the outcome, controlling every step causes problems. In fact, it stifles your team’s growth. Consequently, it leads to your own burnout. Recognizing the signs is the first step to freedom. Therefore, we will examine ten subtle behaviors that scream “control freak.”
You Correct Minor Details
For example, you fix typos in other people’s drafts. Then, you change the font size on a shared slide. Unfortunately, these tweaks add zero value. Instead, they just annoy your colleagues. Ask yourself if the change matters. Does it impact the bottom line? If not, let it go. Perfectionism in small things is a waste of time. Ultimately, focus on the big picture.
Delegation Feels Like Torture
Handing over a task makes you anxious. Perhaps you worry they will mess it up. Or, you think, “I can do it faster myself.” Unfortunately, this mindset limits your potential. Therefore, trust your team’s competence. Also, accept that mistakes are part of learning. You cannot scale if you hoard tasks. So, let people do their jobs. After all, you are hiring them for a reason.
You Hate Meetings You Don’t Lead
Sitting in the passenger seat is hard. Frequently, you interrupt the facilitator. Moreover, steering the agenda feels necessary because you feel unsafe when you aren’t driving. Instead, practice active listening. Let others take the spotlight. Remember, your way isn’t the only way. In fact, diverse leadership styles benefit the company. Thus, learn to follow sometimes.
You Hoard Information
Knowledge is power to you. So, you keep stakeholders in the dark until the end. Often, fear that sharing early invites criticism drives this behavior. Yet, this creates bottlenecks. Therefore, share your progress openly. Also, invite feedback before things are perfect. Collaboration requires transparency. Please, don’t be the gatekeeper of data. Ultimately, information flows better when shared.
You Constantly “Check In”
While you call it support, they call it micromanagement. Furthermore, asking for updates daily destroys trust. In reality, it signals that you expect them to fail. Instead, set clear deadlines. Also, agree on milestone reviews. Specific check-in times reduce anxiety. Therefore, give them space to breathe. Trust needs space to grow.
You Have a “Right Way” for Everything
Results aren’t enough for you. Additionally, the process must match your method. You get frustrated when someone takes a different path. Sadly, this kills creativity. Instead, focus on the outcome. Furthermore, allow flexibility in the execution. Different perspectives often find better solutions. So, loosen your grip on the “how.” The result is what matters.
You Rewrite Emails
First, you draft emails for your boss. Next, editing your team’s communication becomes a priority. Usually, fear that they will say the wrong thing drives this. However, it is exhausting for everyone. Instead, provide bullet points. Trust them to find the words. Remember, their voice matters too. Let them own their communication. Consequently, it builds their confidence.
You Are Always the Hero
Often, you swoop in to save the day. Then, fixing problems at the eleventh hour becomes routine. Admittedly, it feels good to be needed. However, it prevents the team from solving issues. Therefore, stop rescuing people. Let them feel the weight of responsibility. Eventually, they need to learn how to fix things. Your heroism is actually enabling weakness. So, let them fail safely.
Feedback Feels Like an Attack
Initially, you defend every decision. Additionally, explaining away criticism becomes your default defense. Furthermore, suggestions seem like a challenge to your authority. Unfortunately, this shuts down open dialogue. Instead, listen without speaking. Then, thank them for the perspective. Growth requires vulnerability. You don’t have to be perfect to be a leader. Truly, feedback is a gift.
Vacations Are Stressful
Checking email from the beach is standard. Also, worry that the office will burn down consumes you. However, you can’t disconnect because you don’t trust the system. Essentially, you are a slave to the job. Therefore, turn off notifications. Next, designate a deputy while you are gone. The world will keep turning. You need to recharge to lead effectively. Remember, burnout helps no one.
Letting Go to Move Up
Control gives a false sense of security. Yet, it actually limits your career. Leaders empower others; conversely, they don’t suffocate them. Identifying these traits is brave. But, changing them is necessary. Start by letting go of one small thing today. Then, watch your stress levels drop. Your team will thank you, and finally, you will breathe easier.
Join the Conversation
Do you recognize any of these traits in yourself? Which one is hardest to break? Share in the comments below!
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