I want to tackle the subject of control in this episode. This can be one of the biggest issues to take on as a woman in business. How do you let go of what you can’t control and embrace what you can?
This week I have struggled to come to grips with something outside of my control. I had to say goodbye to my 2 pugs after 15 years of companionship. Of course, there is no way to control the timing and emotional response to something like this. When we care so deeply about something, the urge to control it isn’t a power play. Rather, it’s an instinct to protect it.
I talk a lot about scaling with sanity. One of the most common obstacles to achieving this is stepping back and letting the business breathe and come into its own. So often, women I talk with are telling me they are micro-managers, which I celebrate, but they need to understand that not everything can be controlled.
Overbearing micro-management can restrict your employees, your business, and you. To that end, I have come up with 5 strategies to help you relinquish control. Firstly, take accountability. An influential leader takes ownership of mistakes and the ways they could have done better. Strategy #3 is to hold employees accountable. We want our employees to love their job so we overlook corner cutting or poor performance. Instead, bring it up with them and ask them what they need to perform better.
Third, reorient around your bigger mission. Paint the bigger picture for your team, and bring them into it. Strategy #4 is to appreciate effort. Recognize the achievements of your employees. The final strategy is to increase your tolerance to failure. Failing is a learning experience. Lean in and trust it.
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