A Question of Control
The level of control a company possesses over an employee has often been a concern of mine. When an employee receives a paycheck for work performed, should they be expected to give up a certain amount of their God-given freedoms? I have found great companies provide an abundance of freedom. On the other hand, companies that are barely getting by typically squeeze the very life out of their employees until they burn out.
Greatness boils down to a question of control. How much control should an employer exert over an employee? There seems to be a great deal riding on this answer. Leaders who can inspire and motivate rather than direct and control are better equipped to build great companies with a positive work environment, along with competition-crushing financial results.
A strong management presence stifles innovation, creativity and productivity. These companies just don’t last.
Maybe we don’t need managers. Give someone a supervisor title and they will direct, manage and control. Unfortunately, certain individuals desire, even lust, for control over others.
Replace control with inspiration and see what happens.
Kevin Kennemer, the founder of The People Group, is a great workplace advocate, consultant, speaker and writer who blogs daily on relevant workplace issues regarding company culture, leadership, worklife trends, and how companies can exceed their financial performance expectations by treating employees with dignity, trust and respect.
