Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

•  
  hemelsm06/24/08 Report as spam
  1

  A control freak makes group dynamics weak!

  Great story, and many people are 'light' control freaks! Unfortunately I can not support the opinion to cheer for'em...
  Conrol freaks with too high ambitions, are highly destructive for a team and its dynamics, due to their manipulative behaviour and the constant need to control, control, control...
  Remember: A control freak makes group dynamics weak!

•  
  eccross06/24/08 Report as spam
  2

  Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  I don't generally like the term of "control freak" my self. I however like the idea of having someone who can take responsibility for getting a task done. To me being in control doesn't mean I have to oversee every minute detail of a project as long as we are progressively moving toward our goal. I like being in control because I don't mind taking the hit for something I was in control of. If however I have no control over which direction we are going or the person who is in "control" hasn't a clue I will not be happy with taking the hit. I've learned over the years that I've always appreciated a manager or supervisor who trusted me to do the right thing and gave me an opportunity to succeed or fail and wasn't constantly looking over my shoulders. Granted there are people who can't operate that way and as a manager or supervisor we have to identify those who require closer supervision and those who don't and operate accordingly. Having said all this, I still feel that people who are allowed to grow by being put in control of a project will feel a sense of pride in their work and will grow and their growth only benefits the larger mission of your company. As with anything there is always a positive and a negative side to it.

•  
  jenyj8906/24/08 Report as spam
  3

  Weak group dynamics?

  In the "old days" a control freak was called a "Type A Personality", of which I have been classified on a couple of tests. It is good to have some Type A's in your office...they are the "get it done" type of people, the one's that are more concerned about the job and finishing it than kissing someone's behind on the way to finishing the job (Type A's don't always get promotions, but they do work hard), they work long hours, know their job but are sometimes not the team players that everyone these days seems to want.
  
  I came up in the days of working hard, learning your job, busting your butt (twice as hard if you are a woman in a male field, which I am) and standing on your own two feet. In my early days there wasn't all this "TEAM" garbage....we worked together on projects when we needed to and worked alone when we didn't need to work together but we didn't need "team building" meetings and all the rest of this BS, feel-good garbage to tell us how to do it....we just did it as part of our jobs. Alot of the guys I worked with were Type A's and would tell their bosses to just leave them alone and they'd get the project done, the boss did and you know what...the project got done!! WOW! What a concept! Being a responsible adult and getting your job done without a big team meeting to figure out how umpteen people and diagram out how to accomplish what one person can really do. That's what being a Type A or a CONTROL FREAK is all about.
  
  You're absolutely right when you say that we weaken group dynamics...it's because we see the inherent flaws in group dynamics. Group dynamics do nothing but slow us down, keep us from getting a job done, put roadblocks in our way and result in more work to get a job/project done!! I can't count the number of years I've been told I'm not a team player but by the same token...I am considered one of the best in my field in my command, I am asked to teach others, I am asked to be first to take on new tasks for my workplace and I have won quite a bit of recognition from my peers. So being a "control freak" or "Type A" is no such a bad thing after all....if you can stand the toll it takes to push yourself that hard all the time!

•  
  jentimus06/24/08 Report as spam
  4

  You Go Girl

  My thoughts exactly - well put!

•  
  casper1706/24/08 Report as spam
  5

  Relative control

  The only problem with this is that in being so adamant that your way is "the way", you are not leaving yourself open to the possibility that others may have fresh ideas that may be better than yours, or that you can develop to be better. I am also a woman and have a tendency to think my way is the right way, however I keep my mind open to the possibility that others may have valuable contributions as well.
  
  I believe the true way to work with people is to show respect and expect it from others. Work on your own when the task is better accomplished that way and know when to bring in others.
  
  I don't want to work until the day I die because I couldn't let anyone else into my Type A world. Control is relative.

•  
  milady3@...06/24/08 Report as spam
  6

  Control Freaks? Get Real!

  Bravo, Excellent, Brilliant! Now we are talking!

•  
  jenyj8906/24/08 Report as spam
  7

  Not "my way or the highway"

  I didn't mean to imply by my first message that "my way was the only way" or that "I had a closed mind" to others ideas or was afraid to grow. I have grown quite a bit in my career, both working with others and working by myself, as I stated in my first message. But as a Type A, I prefer to work alone and I tend to not be a "team player" (as stated by others who buy into this "team mentality" that is so prevelant today).
  
  My way may not always be the best way and I am always open to new ideas but I find it often difficult to pick out new ideas sitting in lengthy "team meetings" that drag on with little direction, seemingly little purpose and for a Type A are a huge waste of time that could be spent doing actual productive work. If I see a better way, or someone presents me a better way, I'm happy to go with that....but I don't like to waste productive time in seemingly endless meetings, trying to "pull teeth" to get a productive and new idea.
  
  I've been working too long to see the writing on the wall.....too many quality initiatives that just get dressed up every 2-5 years with a new name, new image and we run them through the business circles again, making us productive workers learn new catch-phrases and particpate in "new quality initiatives". Just let me be the "control freak" or Type A or whatever you want to call me and do my job to the best of my ability for the next 8 1/2 years I have until I can hopefully retire. Thanks!

•  
  CSense106/25/08 Report as spam
  8

  Hear Hear for Type A's

  I couldn't have written this better myself. Are we long lost twins? I too have seen it all before, many many times, redressed and repackaged. Just let us Type A's get on with it - we get things done and we get the results. We dont have time for sitting around endlessly discussing how to feel good. Think. Plan, DO. ..or get out of my way.

•  
  raptor12306/24/08 Report as spam
  9

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  For me this not about being a control freak, it is what good management is about. I am very process driven because I belive that too loose a system allows for inconsitancies and gives room for the unproductive to hide. Structure and process allows for the essential elements of the management process to proceeed in a controlled and managed way. I believe freeing up the concerns about 'is it being done' allows managers to concentrate the other key elements of the business, growth, maximising income and developing staff. Contrary to popular belief, I feel having a structured approach allows staff to be creative because they are not having to concern themselves with delivering basics. As a manager you can then create an environment that allows staff to think and hopefully come up with a good idea even if it is for a change to the control system.
  Personal Thoughts!

•  
  jaywalker106/24/08 Report as spam
  10

  Control is Admirable and Best Business Practice

  I'd go even further. Most people regard total control as something impossible to a achieve -'The Myth of Control'. In reality, while there are many elements of life that one cannot control (e.g. the weather) we do have pretty much full control over how we choose to deal with them and/or make ourselves resilient to them. This is the essence of risk-based management. It reqires attention to detail - What are ALL the things that can go wrong and what are we doing to mitigate those risks? In business management this involves catalogging ALL the business processes (business enterprise mapping) and their inter-relationships and then performing a detailed FMEA (or similar analysis) to decide on best (resilient) practices to deploy and maintain. ISO 9001:2000 is a good starting place as compliance to its standards represents the minimum, actively-maintained and continuously improved business system required to assert that one is 'in control'. Only once that true control is established in the very fiber of the enterprise does it make sense to then focus all efforts on the current strategic obectives. (Strategic Alignment)
  
  There's an old adage:
  There are three types of person (organizations) in this world:
  - Those that make things happen
  - Those that things happen to, and
  - Those who say 'What the #@!* happened!?
  
  Becoming one of the former rather than the latter two has a lot to do with systematically and intentionally taking control of the controllable.
  
  Then also the use of the term 'freak' in the connotation of 'very uncommon' is probably approriate when describing the extent of true control of most enterprises.

•  
  gji@...06/24/08 Report as spam
  11

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  I always try to get one as a team member
  but i experienced control freaks are not best for
  group-external contacts
  just try to get the most benefits out of him or her

•  
  mami789306/24/08 Report as spam
  12

  Manager or Janitor

  If you can't get the control freak out of the external-contacts duties, be prepared to clean up and engage the team in damage control. If you can properly direct one, you will see things get done.

•  
  charlie12906/24/08 Report as spam
  13

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  I am a situation controller and I don???t manipulate any one to do or be what they don???t want to be. I put all my cards on the table, I make an offer, when we agree to the terms & conditions set out prior commencement, I???m ready to rock & roll.
  
  The problem I find is that people like to comment to what sounds good but they don???t have what it takes to make it work, they give up too easily, and never willing to work yet they want to enjoy the glory & praise of what they don???t even have.
  
  In a team environment, when there is an agreement and each member of that team brings to the party they individuality then it would be much easier to balance things out. The situation controller will be great at monitoring progress and challenging everyone to excel at what they do best!
  
  Then again it also depends on why you are team in the first place?
  
  A situation controller usually works and excels very well on they own. However, when they are involved in a team effort then 9/10 it is to allow them to find a balance, be it personal or professionally. And I can assure you, this would be a task most humbling to the situaton controller??? when the other party fails to deliver the situation controller is dying to jump in and get it done, but has to hold back instead.
  
  That is where I am in my life right now, I have partnered with someone who believes in living the Vida Loca , announcing it to everyone and yet you can???t pin him down to work through one project no matter how small. I partnered with him because I saw the potential of what he will be, a great leader to afraid to step out. And I know he agreed to partner with me for the good he saw in me???
  
  I look forward to the day that we can appreciate our difference and focus on our strengths. That???s my focus right now and the situation controller will not allow me to give-up until I get it right, in finding that balance. I have to work on me...
  
  And we are no freaks either we are situation controllers - we take charge and make things happen!
  
  Have a fantastic day!

•  
  shabdar06/24/08 Report as spam
  14

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  In the other hand you might feel that you live in a dictatorship and after sometime (that you/your team had good results) you get exhausted of being permanently pushed and controlled.
  
  You kind of lose your own path and creativity.
  
  This might not be a good prescription for all environments.

•  
  chris@...06/24/08 Report as spam
  15

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  How can you be a "moderate" Control Freak. I don't know about you, but I have never met one.

•  
  Damse106/24/08 Report as spam
  16

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  Control freaks tend to be micromanagers and have very little to contribute to a professional team effort. What moderation can there be in being a control freak since they always want to be in control always. Professionals have gotten to various stages in their careers from hardwork and a sound level of personal discipline. Guidance and support to be a better performer? Everyone needs that! But a control freak breathing down ones neck only breeds 'lack of creativity' and 'loss of confidence' in a growing mind.

•  
  hudsonite06/24/08 Report as spam
  17

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  Labels are not useful and often inaccurate in describing a person's management style because a good manager knows that different situations require different responses and approaches. The term "control freak" implies that a manager is unwilling to relinquish control to other people. In fact, there are many situations where this approach is not only appropriate, but necessary. An emergency or crisis, for example, requires strong decisive action quickly and it is required, at times like this, that a person with authority move quickly to make decisions without wasting time building consensus and seeking ideas from others. Most of the time, better decisions are made with group input and, delegation of authority for decision making is required to execute with speed. When a manager refuses to relinquish the authority to make any decision, under any circumstances, the organization is slowed in executing which is usually not a good thing. It is unfortunate that sometimes managers who appropriately use control to facilitiate quick and decisive action when needed, end up being labeled control freaks. The best managers know how to rev up a group of people to cultivate thinking and ideas to arrive at the best solution, establish clarity of responsibility and authority for decision making (as well as accountability for results) and know when it is appropriate to take charge and make a decision. Those managers are not control freaks - they are leaders.

•  
  jim_moroney@...06/24/08 Report as spam
  18

  Control Freaks, who needs 'em?

  Freaks are for freak shows! I don't know of anyone who has ever worked for anyone crazy enough to be labeled a "control freak" who liked working for that boss. I do know of many control freaks who have done much more damage than good.
  
  Control freaks are not good for any organization as they tend to focus too strongly on the wrong things. They anger employees by micromanaging them. When is the last time an employee said that he/she loves to be micromanaged by a control freak? By obsessing about trivial matters, they can cause an organization to overlook some real problems. They give the appearance of being in control when in fact, serious problems are festering somewhere. Whenever I run into a control freak, I look for the serious problems that are being overlooked, and I always find some. Managers should not be control freaks, nor should parents, just ask any child!
  
  There is one good thing about control freaks. They make excellent examples for comedy writers to create shows that make fun of them. Most shows that ridicule business highlight the control freaks. This makes all businesses look bad.

•  
  hongell06/24/08 Report as spam
  19

  Control Freaks - an example of what not to be

  I agree that control freaks are not needed in the workplace. You can use them to your advantage, though, if you have one. Employees know who these micromanagers are. They should and will avoid them at all costs. Employees quickly learn and teach others employees never to emulate the control freaks and to avoid these freaks at all costs. (One on one contact is downright scary with them.)
  
  Control freaks tend to waste time and assets, kill a proactive and productive atmosphere, and limit employee growth, effectiveness, efficiency, and desire to even be in the workplace. They stimulate hate and discontent. This is a partial definition of the "freak" in control freak. No one should have a freak like this in their workplace.
  
  Bring on the Type A personalities, prefer to work diligently independently, with your "teams", and be cross-functionally efficient; all these concepts are fine and important when employed effectively. Really, most if not all employees desire to be led and to lead at different times in their careers. Effective followers should become effective leaders. With freaks "in charge", though, this will not happen.

•  
  milady3@...06/24/08 Report as spam
  20

  Control Freaks are Motivated by Fear

  Not only are ?control freaks? a liability to the team but many of them seem to be motivated by fear, an exaggerated fear of failure. This may be one of the reasons they seem to want to control everything, from they way one should be executing a simple task to your thoughts and behavior. They impede and hinder creativity in the workplace which is the source of all innovation.
  
  To all the ?control freaks? out there ?? ?control is an illusion.?

•  
  schearkon06/24/08 Report as spam
  21

  Control, although relative, is the name of the game.

  As mangers control is the name of the game. We control the budgets, schedules, processes, procedures among others. Failure to control these items is as you call it, failure or not doing your job. Can control get out of hand? Yes it can. With out rambeling endlessly; think about where the world would be without it in one form or another. Just one project managers opinion!

•  
  CBragg06/24/08 Report as spam
  22

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  I couldn't disagree more with your thoughts. I have had the misfortune to have worked for several controls freaks. The common characteristic I observed about these people has been their high degree of insecurity and how thier attempts to control actually put them in a position of controlling nothing...unless you count controlling the interview process for new hires to replace the talented people that wouldn't put up with their freakishness!
  
  Truly EFFECTIVE control freaks, control themsleves, not others.

•  
  ajt@...06/24/08 Report as spam
  23

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  I am in agreement that being a control freak, within reason, can be a healthy thing. Excessive micromanagement is certainly detrimental to the team. However, being a self admitted control freak, it is my opinion that the five qualities you mention are especially useful in keeping the team together during stressful periods. Cutting through the b/s and getting the job done. We control freaks keep our heads, and focus, while everyone else is loosing theirs.

•  
  j.lucas06/24/08 Report as spam
  24

  Control Freak?

  I am a definite Type A personality (now called Control Freak). There is some truth that we 'control freaks' weaken team dynamics.
  
  Teams are great for some projects or tasks but the majority of daily tasks are best completed by one person with drive, determination and focus. Teams are rarely focused on one common goal-sometimes it takes longer to "focus a team" than it would for a "control freak" to simply do the job. Teams have plenty of weaknesses as well. Control freaks are usually the one to step up to the task of running a team (often because no one else will unless assigned). I will run a team if I have to-but I prefer to work on my own, responsible for my progress. I can push myself much harder than other people are willing to be pushed to get something done.
  
  Teams are great for sports. Teams are necessary for large projects. Teams are good for brainstorming but control freaks are great for getting things done. In my 20+ years of experience, control freaks do not need to be micromanaged (I can't stand being micromanaged).
  
  My employees have communicated their respect for my drive and direction, although they have communicated that they don't like it all the time (I'm the only Control Freak/Type A in my office).
  
  Everyone knows where we're going, why we're going there and what I expect from them in regard to how to get there.
  
  How many people work in a company where they actually know what the company is trying to accomplish (outside of making money and reducing cost)?

•  
  schearkon06/24/08 Report as spam
  25

  Accountability

  I am a type A personality that has to routinely work on teams. I agree that we type A's will push ourselves far beyond what any normal person would. I believe they call that pride in what we do and in our selves.
  
  in addition holding another adult accountable for there lack of ability, dedication, drive and or desire is not an easy task. Saying that Type A's are degrating to a team is just a clever way for the less driven to shift the blame or focus onto someone else.

•  
  jsargent06/24/08 Report as spam
  26

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  I believe that in another article on BNET it said that "micro managers"/control freaks was one of the signs for recognising a future work place bully.
  
  So, is a control freak good or bad? Lets define the line between good work practices and dodgy ethics.

•  
  jentimus06/24/08 Report as spam
  27

  Multiple Control Freaks

  I'm definately the type of person who would rather work harder to get the job done by myself than deal with the politics of getting other people to do their part the way I think is necessary. However, there are several people like that in my department and we all want to be in charge!
  
  Since that's not an option, I have found that the best way to deal with team projects is to define who IS ultimately responsible for the project and let them be the controller, whether or not I think they are competent to do so. I will give a suggestion - once - and after that it is up to the leader to take it or leave it.
  
  The hardest part is to not press my point again if I feel I wasn't understood or appreciated. But I remind myself that it is ultimately the leader's responsibility to use resources (including my opinions) as s/he sees fit. To fight or resent that lets everybody know that I don't think the leader should be in charge - which wasn't my decision to make.
  
  This 'backing-off' technique has worked well because once I've shown that I respect another person's authority, I have a good foundation for asking them to respect my decisions when I'm the one responsible for success or failure. Plus, it helps me keep perspective on my part of the project and saves time by not worrying about what other people should be doing.

•  
  hongell06/24/08 Report as spam
  28

  Re: Why being a control freak isn't so bad

  Being in charge isn't freakish at all; being in control isn't freakish, either. Learning to effectively use your talents and skills increases efficiency and should be commended. It appears your approach and application set a fine example and are in the best interests of your co-workers, organization, and yourself. The leadership example you set is one for your peers and subordinates to learn from, apply, and emulate.

•  
  Annieinthesun06/24/08 Report as spam
  29

  Learning from Control Freaks

  I've worked for two bosses I'd consider control freaks. In both cases their apparent nit-picking would rankle my easy-going nature and love of self-management.
  
  With one very intelligent controlling boss, he would keep changing his mind about the direction of something he'd delegated, wanting to see many different drafts as he changed his mind. With this supervisor, I learned a lot by staying with him in his thought processes and remembering that I was paid to work for him, and developed a great deal of respect for his attention to detail.
  
  My second Control Freak boss hired me as a Director of Communication, yet he liked to scrutinize every email I sent for the first three months of my employment. Eventually as I gained his trust, the micromanagement went away, and with time he has learned that unfettering his staff and allowing a freer rein can lead to stellar results.
  
  Bottom line: Most Control Freaks learn to trust and loosen up when their "guidance" is met with patience, communication, and a learning attitude focused on excellence. The gravy is a shared appreciation to detail that most Control Freaks excel at.

•  
  NAG22206/24/08 Report as spam
  30

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  Having worked with (and managed) many a control freak...I am perplexed by the premise of this piece. I especially find the comment about stability during change shocking if not amusing. Control freaks are TERRIBLE at change...largely because the change is often out of their control and impedes their ability maintain the control they do have. Utterly ridiculous!

•  
  Love To Coach06/24/08 Report as spam
  31

  Depends on Responsibilities

  A control freak may do well if the task is to be a performer/owner of the job.
  But as others have pointed out can be very disruptive to the group's dynamics if the control freak is the "coordinator" of a task. They can give-up control to those performers needing it. A control freak can turn into big-brother type dictatorship if the control freak is the "approver" or the "ruler".
  Finally, by no means should a control freak be allowed to be both the "performer" and the "reviewer/policeman" of their own work. In such a case you can eventually expect to be "surprised" by the weakness of the control freaks work. It may be through incompetency, lack of ethics, mental laziness, or simply a blind spot. If a control freak is allowed they will not learn from guidance. They often view these reviewers as simply people slowing them down and (at least for them) a drain on the system. But even worse sometimes the control freak is a control freak because they want to manipulate, and control the information. They know they are up to no good, but want to hide this from everyone else. Control freaks have a need to break down the checks and balance process because they cannot control it.

•  
  slbarker611@...06/24/08 Report as spam
  32

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  There is a BIG difference between being forward thinking and detail oriented (the admirable traits you have described ) and being a control freak--someone who insists that everything is done her way and micromanages those who are exectuting.
  The later is not a scalable management model.Those who employ it will fail in the near term due to over-load or employee resentment or in the long term becuase they fail to assist their peers ( teams ) and subordinates in developing good execution skills

•  
  hdc77494@...06/24/08 Report as spam
  33

  A real "control freak" is never a good leader

  People who attempt to control how their team members reach assigned goals stifle innovation and brain storming by their subordinates. They prevent people from taking ownership of problems and opportunities. The team ends up concentrating on giving their boss exactly what they demand, filters bad news, and lives in fear of making mistakes. All of those attributes slowly, or quickly kill a company.

•  
  subbu7106/25/08 Report as spam
  34

  Need for a balance... use discretion!!!

  A good leader knows where to provide the required freedom and where to have controls looping back....
  
  Discretion is the way to go

•  
  Pete Malpass06/27/08 Report as spam
  35

  Non-sequeter?

  The real problem is that you've chosen a sexy title and then immediately pulled back. Is "Control Freak taken in moderation" a non-sequeter (sp?)? Why yes. You have re-stated the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator finding that the world rewards Sensing (focus on concrete products), Thinking (focus on rational sequence in planning), and Judgmental behavior (fast decisions). But that's OK, all the PhDs in education since 1940 have just rediscovered that "The bright are bright, but everyone else needs training." Enjoy.

•  
  domfischer07/01/08 Report as spam
  36

  non sequiter????

  Why not knowing Latin makes you look... hum, American.
  The expression is 'non sequitur'.. (Google it!)

•  
  domfischer07/01/08 Report as spam
  37

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  why not knowing Latin makes you look... hum, American.
  The expression is "non sequitur" (Google it!)

•  
  bundydeb07/03/08 Report as spam
  38

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  THIS WEBSITE TALKS THE BIGGEST LOAD OF GARBAGE - It is not set up by anyone who hs studies human services, it is self-centred,promotes dishonoesty and dare you qtn ethical practice - shame on you that young naiive students might come across this crap and further disempower the ideology of a more just, fair and equitable workplace for more people. Shame on you - I would have hope that us who fought hard for honesty and integrity could leave behind a better employment environment but you are doing your best do turn it back to a dog eat dog!
  Ddeb

•  
  bundydeb07/03/08 Report as spam
  39

  Control freaks - selfcentred narcistics

  Thankyou for your intelligent response - control freaks do indeed take away from the team and grp dynamics - like I said it is nothing but LOOK AT ME as I PLAGARISE ALL YOUR IDEAS AND CLAIM THEM and you cant do anything about it - and then I'll get rid of you - especially if your qualificatins, experience, knowledge etc are better than mine - AND I can intimidate, harrass, victimise, threaten, target and bully you - and I am in CONTROL not you = so you can leave why I ride on the highs of all your achievements - because I want the recognition!!!
  Deb

•  
  jejamese@...07/03/08 Report as spam
  40

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  If followed the five items listed represent the postive side of being a "control freak". Actually, I don't think the term "control freak" is correct. The term actively engaged manager may more closely apply. In any case, given the other posts, people shouldn't confuse other psychological disorders with what the five management points are trying to convey. The need for control may be just one of the manifestations of a being self-centered narcissist or some other breed of lunatic.

•  
  drendall08/28/08 Report as spam
  41

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  I love this post. I think a lot of these comments miss the point. Being a control freak can be a very positive thing in the right situations. However, it is easy to find situations where it can be a problem. The key is to find the right fit. I love the comment from Business Pundit with job ideas for control freaks.
  
  My Freak Factor blog is dedicated to helping freaks find the right fit. Thank you for pointing us all in the right direction.
  
  David Rendall
  www.daverendall.typepad.com

•  
  FermatDescartes10/17/09 Report as spam
  42

  RE: Why Being a Control Freak Isn't So Bad

  Most of what i read in this forum argues points on why a control freak isnt so bad...or causes group issues.
  
  In my humble opinion, a control freak (or rather, a person that must feel in complete control) doesn't cause problems until they feel their control and expectation of that control must extend onto other persons. So i agree in part...its not so bad when a person takes a control of a situation or takes responsibility to complete an objective. But control is a real problem when a person feels they have to step on another person (attrition), manipulate others, or negatively criticize others to reach their goals. I feel that every person has a few roles that he/she may play in life where "complete control" is necessary for them. For some people, the need for control and to play the role is more frequent. When that need to control involves manipulating others, it is more "selfish" than anything. I am not talking about being a manager of others, where your job is to lead (not manipulate) people toward an objective.
  
  What happens when every member of group is a controlling person? I have witnessed such a group and they dont talk to each other...just continually try to set each other up. Kind of scary. Well, in my opinion: it takes a control freak to manage a group of control freaks.... they tend to respect each others sovereignty when there is a clear "alpha" leader. In this case, its not so bad.