Negative Aspects of Busy Leaders: The Controller (Part 1 of 5)

The Controlling leader is the first of 5 negative leadership behaviors of overly busy leaders.

The controlling leader is described as a control freak, a micromanager... even as a dictator in some cases because of their desire to take control of every situation. They may lead with intimidation and use fear tactics.

They can be highly effective in short term situations – especially in times of chaos and rapid change.

However, this dangerous leadership behavior is very disempowering to team members.

The controller often apologizes for their behavior; even laughs it off as, "that's just how I am."

But don't miss this:  the controlling leader develops compliant followers. They stifle creativity, innovation and autonomy that will limit a team's success.


Negative Aspects of Overly Busy Leader series:

This is a new series that will explore five negative, undesirable attributes of leadership that we all struggle with.

The reality is we all have at least a primary and probably a secondary attribute; but if you’re thinking you don’t struggle with at least one of these, then I’d suggest you may lacking some self awareness and some humility! 

Often, these behaviors are driven out of a sense of pride or fear, perhaps out of a scarcity mindset… or even due to being overwhelmed or stressed by things like our current economic situation.

So over the next 5 episodes we’re going to look at 

• The controller
• The critic
• The rescuer
• The avoider
• The people pleaser

This is content that I’m pulling from my Unbusy Leader masterclass workshops as well as from coaching with clients 1:1 or inside their organizations.