Control the Cape
Leading feels like bullfighting. You don’t control the bull. Control the cape.
Don’t ignore the bull. Respond to it.
You don’t control:
- Politicians and the economy.
- People and interruptions.
- Your DNA and lifespan.
- Accidents and past events.
- Decisions of higher-ups.
Control
Focus energy on responses. For example, you can’t control people. Control how you respond to them. You can’t control interruptions. Determine how long they last.
Avoid thoughtless impulse. Act consciously toward things you can’t control.
Focus On Influence Not Control
You can influence people even though you can’t control them.
Higher-ups resist being controlled. Influence the decision-making process.
You influence your lifespan. But we all end up in the dirt.
You can’t control your reputation. Act consistently.
Control the Cape An Example
Get a grip on your day by controlling your morning. Know what you’re going to do before you get out of bed.
Choice empowers.
Get a grip on your morning routine. You might not change your routine but know you’re choosing it.
- Rise early enough to start the day slowly.
- Choose how to show up for others.
- Decide one thing, beyond day-to-day challenges, you must get done.
- Jot a few lines in a journal.
- Turn your attention toward service.
Control the Cape: Accept limits. Embrace responsibility.
How do leaders learn to accept limits and embrace responsibility?
How to Control Your Control Freak
8 Tips for Dealing With a Control Freak
Totally love this…you control the cape!
Thanks, Lorraine.
Another masterpiece today. Control the cape! 🔥
Thank you Michael.
Reminds me of Covey’s Circle of Concern and Circle of Influence.
I hadn’t thought of that. The bull represents the things outside our control. The cape represents things within our control. I was really focusing on responsiveness. But I see the connection.
If you have position power, you can control the assignments and due dates.
If you have expertise power, you can influence people with your ideas and insights.
If you have personal power, you can influence people with your interpersonal skills.
Separate what you can control from what you can influence.
Your words and actions are the cape.
Thanks for the different kinds of power. It’s helpful in this context.
Yes! We are able to choose our response. We are not slaves to our emotions. We have agency and can choose….how to show up, to act with integrity, to show kindness, etc. We are not victims of our circumstances. Thank you, Dan, for empowering me today.
I love this example! I immediately thought of the difference of the bullfighter and the running of the bulls in Pamplona! You can try to run away from the bull and risk getting trampled or gored, or you can face the bull and respond with the cape. The risks still exist, but you have more influence over the outcome when standing in the ring. Bravo!