Have you ever been in a situation where someone tells you something and then you later find out that what he or she told you was not true?   And in addition to it being untrue, it involved lying on another person who is clueless that his/her name has been used and misused to fulfill some devious agenda.

            I have come to realize that such a thing takes place quite often in some work environments, and it appears that such deceitfulness takes place in an attempt to maintain or garner a certain level of control over one’s subordinates.   In fact, I believe this need to control may in fact be an attempt to cover some deep-seated fear that hovers like a dark cloud over the mouth of a volcano waiting to erupt.

            But herein lies the problem with that word “control.”   We are only able to truly control personal space and ourselves.   It is not in our power to control anyone, which causes the confusion and distress when someone attempts to control someone else’s movements or actions.

            Some people are born leaders.   They have innate qualities that allow them to be acutely aware of peoples’ feelings and to organize and delegate almost effortlessly.   Then, on the other hand, there are those individuals who are given a chance at leadership and become so engulfed in the title for the position that they forget to lead and end up trying to control.

            Anyone who has a two or three year old would have found out by now that you cannot “make” a toddler do anything.   If a child this age does not want to do something, no threat, cajoling, or punishment will “make” this child do what you want.   More often than not, the parent becomes frustrated and may scream a little bit, but throws up her hands in the end totally exasperated.

            Similarly, a weak leader who tries to “make” his/her subordinates do certain things or behave a certain way, will probably be unsuccessful.   It may even appear on the surface that things are getting done, but in reality, there may be a quiet rebellion occurring.

            Thus if you find yourself working under such a leader, perhaps it is time for you to begin thinking about directing your own course.   Even if you work for yourself, there are rules and protocol that must be followed each day in order for you to achieve your short term and long-term goals.

            However, there must come a time in your life when you begin to chart your own course and remain true to yourself.   If you believe that the environment in which you work goes against what you value and what you hold to be true to your being, then perhaps now is the time for you to consider charting a new course.

            If you find yourself working in such an environment, perhaps it is time to take stock of the situation and question whether or not this is where you want to be, or whether or not your supervisor needs to be removed from a position of authority.

It is never easy to leave one job and go to the next, but it is a total waste of time to remain in a work environment in which your visions are totally different.   Having opposing visions from your leader will only serve to cause more frustration on your part and you must seriously ask yourself if this is something you are willing to live with for any period of time.

            Therefore becoming the captain of your own ship requires self-discipline and self-motivation.   It does not mean that you will not follow rules and regulations, but it does mean that you will not allow yourself to follow blindly, accepting poor leadership from your superiors.   Be vigilant this week and observe your supervisors and managers.   Are they exhibiting the values and attitudes of a good leader or are they trying to control you every opportunity they get?