Control — Meaning, Definition, and How This Core Value Shapes Your Life
What Is Control as a Core Value?
Control values shaping outcomes, reducing uncertainty, and managing variables. Those high in Control feel safer and more effective when they can steer processes.
Why Control Matters
Honoring Control helps you:
- prevent avoidable errors,
- create predictable execution,
- allocate resources deliberately,
- respond quickly to deviation.
How Control Shows Up (High vs. Low Expression)
High Expression
- introduces structure and checkpoints,
- sets clear processes,
- monitors key indicators,
- intervenes early to avert drift.
Low Expression
- trusts emergence and improvisation,
- delays intervention until crisis,
- leaves ownership ambiguous,
- tolerates variable quality.
Common Challenges of High Control
- overbearing management style,
- reduced team autonomy,
- difficulty delegating,
- stress when variables spike.
Control in Conflict With Other Values
Control vs. Freedom
Freedom wants open choice and minimal constraints; Control specifies method and sequence.
Tension: unconstrained adaptability vs. directed execution.
Control vs. Creativity
Creativity experiments and iterates fluidly; Control locks parameters early.
Tension: exploratory divergence vs. governed convergence.
Examples of Control in Daily Life
- Building dashboards to surface drift early.
- Defining roles before a project starts.
- Standardizing a workflow to ensure consistency.
- Creating contingency plans for critical risks.