Are you a control freak? Of course you are – just like the rest of us! Your ‘brand’ of control may not be the same as the next person, but let’s face it – you want to get your way! If we can agree that everyone controls, wants to control, does what is ‘acceptable’ to control then maybe we can release some of our need. Perhaps the question should be to what degree can you exert your influence to control???
Control isn’t always a ‘bad’ but it can be limiting. If it always has to be your way, or the extreme of: my way or the highway, then I believe this is crippling. Control is suppose to be an aid – to us, over us but not over others and all situations. When you release your need to control everything then you begin to see other options and opportunities. And yes, some of them are disastrous – but sometimes they prove to be a better way of thinking and acting.
Whether your brand of control is subtle (‘suggestions’) or blatant (highway), whether it manifests itself as passive aggressive behavior or more obvious forms, the point is – you may be wrong. Imagine that! Quite honestly none of us are the authority on all things at all times. Opinion expressed is not necessarily control nor is it defiance of what you want. Someone else’s ‘control’ may lead you in an entirely different direction, which may not necessarily be bad.
I really am a ‘come let us reason together’ type. It’s not that I’m avoiding confrontation, it’s typically that I want the best results. And no, that’s not altruistic – it really is quite selfish. I intensely dislike wasting time, energy, money, resources, etc. And no, not necessarily compromise – however, consensus may be the path to the best result. As long as everyone has the opportunity to express their thinking, as long as a reasoned discussion occurs, then I think we are on a less stressful path. Besides, our behavior and words should express consideration and set an example for toleration. If we want to be heard and our opinion considered… then we have to do the same.
…but what do you think?
