The Illusion of Control

We create detailed plans with dates and dependencies mapped out. We plan for risks and pad our estimates for the unknown.

And each time we fail to accurately predict the future. We can’t help ourselves though. We’re so consumed with the illusion of control. We’ve convinced ourselves if we just go into more detail, get more specific, get more forceful with our commitment, then this time it will work.

There’s a line in The Avengers which I feel captures this perfectly:

“You speak of control, yet you court chaos.”

Captain America, The Avengers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lOxW0AB958

It is so tempting to be drawn in by the illusion of control.

Instead of control, how can we give responsibility? How c

David

A digital product strategy leader, I am passionate about mentoring and coaching product managers and forming high-performing, empowered teams that in turn build customer-centric digital products.

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