Are you being a controlling or helpful leader?

Some may view a leader in an organization as either being controlling or helpful. What is the difference between being controlling and helpful? There are several distinguishing features including level of strictness within the organization, services rendered, organization’s growth, levels of creativity, and diversity. These are some statements one can consider when leading a company while determining some controlling or helpful perspectives. This post will either help one to transform from being a controlling to a helpful leader; or become a more helpful leader.

Being a controlling leader can have severe effects on the organization including little to no creativity displayed within the company, low levels of productivity, and low periods of positive growth. If the leader controls too many aspects of the organization, it may decrease the level of creativity by not allowing new ideas, new methods of completing task, and new organization structures to be tested. Next, a controlling leader can decrease levels of productivity by providing services that the company as a culture, group and organization do not need. In turn, time, energy and resources are used that do not add to the growth and success of the organization. Also, being a controlling leader creates periods of little to no growth. Employees and customers may feel that a leader do not listen or attempt to understand various opinions. This may create an environment of decreased creativity.

Being a helpful leader means providing a service that the organization needs; meeting the needs of the followers/ employees, individually; and providing a vision that allows predecessors to build upon afterwards. Leading in a fashion that is helpful can be difficult at times because it can be perceived as being controlling. However, exploring the differences in control and assistance may provide a greater understanding of the leadership field and increase leader effectiveness. Being a leader that offers services that are necessary within the organization is important because this shows that the leader understands the organization and observes its strengths and weaknesses. This ability is important when leading any organization. Being a helpful leader means meeting the needs of the followers/ employees and consumers as well. By focusing on the followers and consumers, the leader sets the focus of the organization upon the individuals that actually develops the company through sells and human resources. Supplying a healthy vision as a helpful leader shows intended direction of the company while providing some margin for flexibility and change.

All in all, the difference between being a controlling and helpful leader is significant.  One should assess leadership styles and adjust accordingly because a leader’s style may affect the future of the organization. Being a controlling leader can have severe effects on the organization including little to no creativity being within the company, low levels of productivity, and low periods of positive growth. Being a helpful leaders means providing a service that the organization needs; meeting the needs of the followers/ employees; and providing a good vision.