How to Overcome Control Freak Tendencies

There are times when each one of us is a little controlling. We want to do an excellent job or complete a project on time and under budget. However, if not careful, a tendency to over-control things will stifle, neutralize and stall success. To avoid this catastrophe, take these steps to identify the signs of a control freak and properly manage your need for control.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A willingness to be open and honest with yourself
• Personal journal and pen
• Time to think and reflect

1. 

   Identify control freak symptoms and what is at the heart of your need to always be in control of everything.

2. 

   Spend some time reflecting on the circumstances that have contributed to your high control need; then develop several actions you can take to overcome these control freak tendencies, and make sure you implement them.

3. 

   Learn the art of flexibility and self-control. You don’t have to know or do everything! Practice give-and-take.

4. 

   Give others a chance to contribute and share their opinions and you will receive untold benefits resulting from their diversity of thought, ideas and creativity.

5. 

   Balance your priorities. It's impossible for two or more things to have number one priority status. Face the fact that your boss and co-workers each have their own set of priorities. Stop imposing your list on them.

6. 

   Collaborate with co-workers and develop mutually agreed upon tasks and action items that can be tackled in the shortest time possible with the highest standards of excellence.

7. 

   Take a personal inventory of your control tendencies and ask someone you trust to help you re-program your behavior for success.

8. 
   Bosses & Orchards

   Provide appropriate personal leadership by empowering co-workers and other leaders to fully participate in projects and team tasks.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the resources below to help you to overcome any control freak tendencies.

Resources

• Build Better Work Relationships
• Take Advantage of These Resources to Handle Stress
• Energize your career and work life
• Learn How to Empower Others

[EnlightenedPen]

on 6/29/2008 thanks for the advice about learning the art of flexibility and self-control

[acole]

on 6/11/2008 Good advice. Thanks!