Control: Understanding the Illusion of Control in Leading Change

Activating Curiosity | Leading Change in The Construction Industry

Summary
Mini Series Part 2: Building a Stronger Relationship with Change.
In this episode of Activating Curiosity, Ryan Ware explores the illusion of control and its impact on leading change within construction leadership development and change management in construction. He discusses how individuals often feel threatened by change, especially when the change is imposed rather than chosen, making control seem like a necessary comfort. Ryan highlights the importance of psychological safety and empathy as key construction coaching techniques to help leaders foster trust and collaboration during times of change. Through embracing presence and self-awareness, construction leaders can move beyond the illusion of control and influence progress more effectively. This episode provides valuable insights for those interested in construction innovation and leading change in construction environments, encouraging leaders to reflect on their relationship with change and how to adapt their leadership style for greater impact.

Takeaways

• Change can feel very personal, even if you didn't make the first choice.
• Control is often an illusion that can hinder progress.
• Great leaders are present during change, providing emotional steadiness.
• You can influence more by releasing the control you think you have.
• Psychological safety is crucial for effective change management.
• Empathy is essential when navigating change with others.
• Presence in leadership fosters trust and collaboration.
• Self-awareness is key to understanding your relationship with change.
• Recognizing the illusion of control can lead to greater influence.
• Clarity is often elusive, but necessary for embracing change.

Referenced Works & Thinkers in This Episode:

• Stephen M.R. Covey — The Speed of Trust
• Amy C. Edmondson — The Fearless Organization
• Amy C. Edmondson — Right Kind of Wrong: How the Best Teams Use Failure to Succeed
• Daniel Kahneman — Thinking, Fast and Slow

Chapters

• 00:00 Understanding Control and Change
• 05:12 The Illusion of Control
• 10:24 Psychological Safety in Leadership
• 15:03 The Power of Choice
• 20:45 Letting Go to Gain Influence
• 25:30 Building Trust Through Presence
• 28:38 Embracing Change with Clarity

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Connective Consulting Group
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryankware/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/connective-consulting-group-llc

https://connectiveconsultinggrp.com/

https://connective-coaching.com/

https://ryanware.me/

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