The Difference Between Being in Charge and Being in Control
As much as we’d like to think otherwise, the truth is that leadership is still quite misunderstood. For some people, leadership is about having the power to do what you want and order other people what to do. Some say leadership is about being in charge or control, using these terms interchangeably. They’re not the same, though. Being in charge is not the same as being in control. Learning the difference between the two offers more insight into the role of a leader and helps you determine what kind of leadership you want to practice.
Table of Contents
The Difference Between Being in Charge and Being in Control
Definition of terms
In order to understand the difference between being in charge and being in control, it’s necessary to define them first.
In charge refers to accepting the responsibility entrusted to you and acting accordingly. It is a position of leadership or supervision. More precisely, being in charge is about having formal authority. A person who’s in charge is usually a CEO, manager, director, or team leader i.e. has the title and responsibilities and decision-making rights that come with it. This term describes a visible form of leadership.
In control means having a major influence over how, when, and where the work gets done. When a person is in control, they’re exercising restraint, commanding, or dominating. This term is about influencing the outcomes, managing team dynamics, and making sure the goals are met. Control is all about sound judgment and a well-deserved sense of trust. This type of leadership inspires other people and doesn’t necessarily come from an executive position; a team member without a formal title may control the room better than the actual manager.
What’s better?
One form of leadership is not necessarily better than the other; it’s mainly about when and how they’re used.
The growth and revenue come from the guidance of a person in charge. This person declares the cultural guidelines and rules that everyone else should play by. Then, the teams have the opportunity to act autonomously because they know what’s expected from them. In other words, a leader in charge is meant to facilitate the growth of the team or company either with cultural directives or with sufficient resources.
A person in charge can also be in control when necessary or when the situation demands it. For instance, the CEO may also control budget or layoffs in times of crisis or major changes within a business or organization.
Control is about the ability to dictate actions and itineraries, choices for others, anticipate changes, and have contingency plans. On the other hand, being in charge is about handling whatever comes your way, even if you can’t control it immediately. Rather than creating decisions to be made, being in charge is about making decisions.
Keep in mind that being in control is usually bound by the process or situation. For that reason, it requires patience, adaptability, and respect. Being in control depends on understanding the needs and motivations of other people too.
Making a distinction between the two is important because confusing them could create a toxic atmosphere in the environment. When a person believes that being in charge and control are synonyms, they may overlook the soft skills of leadership such as empathy, listening, and emotional intelligence.
Evidence confirms that a toxic environment has a negative influence on employee engagement. It may lead to loss of motivation, poor productivity, and increased absenteeism. However, when you know the distinction between being in charge and control, you can act accordingly and bring more balance to any setting.
Tips for authority with respect and influence
If you’re in charge but feel like you have no control or vice versa, there’s a lot you can do to balance authority, respect, and influence. That way, your leadership style and approach toward processes and team members will improve. Here are several strategies to employ:
● Earn trust: team members or employees need to trust you, and it’s something you earn or deserve. Trust is not a default, but it is the foundation for any kind of leadership. Be transparent with your team members, do what you say, and remain consistent. That way, you will keep building trust, and people will follow you.
● Have more empathy: A common mistake that some people make is that they think there’s no room for empathy in business, especially if they’re managers or executives. Being in charge or control doesn’t necessarily imply you should be ruthless. You need to understand the needs of your team, their fears, and motivations. Before acting, listen. It will be easier to be more in charge or control when people know you understand them and have empathy toward them.
● Demonstrate competence: whether you’re in charge or control, you will earn more respect and get more influence when you demonstrate your competence. Make sure to be open to feedback, continue learning, ask questions, and stay on top of your craft.
● Clarify your expectations: An authority figure can create a lot of confusion when they fail to clarify their expectations. That’s why it’s important to make sure that everyone on the team knows their specific roles and why they have them. Explain what you expect and why, but use actual, solid arguments to demonstrate your expertise. As a result, team members will trust your choices.
● Stay adaptable: as mentioned above, one leadership style isn’t necessarily better than the other. You don’t have to force yourself to be in control at all times or to be in charge without control. The best thing to do is to stay adaptable and practice situational leadership. Adjust your leadership style to the current situation and the needs of the specific moment.
Conclusion
Although the terms being in charge and control are used interchangeably, they refer to different styles of leadership. Understanding these roles helps you shape your approach toward leadership. You don’t have to choose between the two. Instead, work hard to earn trust and influence so you can adjust your leadership style to the situation you’re in at the moment.
References
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2020/03/31/are-you-in-charge-or-in-control/
