Understanding Control
1. Taking the Reins
Ever feel like you're trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle uphill? Yeah, me too. In organizations, and even in our own lives, control is a big deal. But it's not just about barking orders and expecting instant obedience. Its a nuanced thing, a multi-layered system that, when understood, can help us navigate chaos and actually, you know, get things done. We often hear about different management styles, but less often do we break down the practical levels where control is exerted. So, lets pull back the curtain and shine a light on what the 4 levels of control really look like in action.
Imagine a symphony orchestra. You've got the conductor (probably feeling quite in control), but you also have section leaders ensuring their violins are in tune, musicians adjusting their performance based on the concertmasters lead, and ultimately, each musician making tiny, individual choices about bow pressure and vibrato. All of these are expressions of control, operating at different levels. And that, my friends, is a beautiful illustration of what we're diving into.
Think of it like building a house. You've got the architect with the overall blueprint, the contractor managing the timeline and budget, the subcontractors handling specific tasks like plumbing or electrical work, and then the individual workers actually hammering nails and laying bricks. Each level needs to work in harmony to achieve the desired outcome: a sturdy, livable abode. If the architect designs something completely impractical, or the plumber decides to install a hot tub in the attic (not a good look), the whole project falls apart. See the importance of these control layers?
Ultimately, thinking about the four levels provides a framework for understanding how work actually gets done. It lets you see if your control systems are working, if they're too rigid or not rigid enough, and where you might be able to empower people more. And who knows, maybe you'll feel a little less like that flaming torch-juggling unicyclist and a little more like a conductor leading a masterpiece.
