The 90th Percentile: An Unconventional Leadership Podcast Episode 164: Control vs. Influence—What Today’s Leader’s Get Wrong
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May 21, 2025 Explore the revival of Control Graph Theory and its significance in modern leadership. Discover how the balance of influence vs. control impacts team engagement and performance. The discussion reveals the downsides of authoritarian leadership styles, especially in times of crisis. Real-world examples, like Amazon's management systems and Toyota's Andon cord, illustrate the power of shared influence. Learn practical strategies for leaders to foster a culture where employees feel valued and empowered, promoting innovation and reducing turnover.
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Total Influence Predicts Success
- Control Graph Theory measures the total amount of influence in an organization, not just who holds it.
- Higher total influence across all levels predicts greater organizational success.
Broad Influence Boosts Engagement
- Teams with higher total influence spread across leaders and members have higher engagement and effectiveness.
- Collective influence outperforms concentrated control at the top alone.
Authoritarian Leadership Backfires
- Authoritarian leadership models are resurging amid uncertainty but alienate employees and reduce innovation.
- Centralized control offers speed but damages morale and long-term productivity.