Control vs. Influence

Ron Edmundson:

In an organization where control is dominant…

• The leader’s ideas win over the team’s ideas…every time…
• The team follows…but not willingly…
• Demands change through fear, not motivation…
• People are managed but not led…
• Team members feel unappreciated and under-utilized…
• The organization is limited to the skills and ability of the controlling leader…
• Burnout is common…

BUT…. 

In an organization where influence is dominant…

• The ultimate goal is what’s best for the organization…
• The team develops as relationships and trust grows…
• Willing followers are attracted…
• New leaders are recruited and built…
• Change is promoted through desire, not obligation…
• The organization has the expanded resources of a team…
• People feel empowered and appreciated…

Read the rest.