CONTROLLING THE CONTROL FREAK INSIDE

Recently, I read an article on a great blog
about 5 Reasons Why Being a Control Freak Isn’t a Good Thing.  The title had my attention right away because
I planned on dispelling each and every one of their 5 reasons.  I mean really, you don’t know who you are
dealing with, I have it ALL under control! In the event industry being in
control is what makes for a successful event after all, it is what makes every
little detail fall into place. Or does it?

As I read the blog I
began to reflect on all the mistakes I have seen happen during events over the
years because vendors might have been control freaks, just like me. Don’t get
me wrong being a Type A personality has it’s definite upsides. However, this is
about trying to find a happy medium. What do we do? Is there any hope for us? Well,
if anyone can solve an issue… it’s a control freak, Right?

Maybe it is time to start
reflecting on our ‘Type B’ counterparts. 
What do they have that we don’t? Type B personalities tend to be laid
back, relaxed, and flexible. They are the fun person at all the parties. Qualities
we, Type A’s, so desperately wish to obtain. 
Is it possible for me?  Can we
flip the switch?  I mean, we want to be
the fun person at the party, too!  Alas,
after some digging, through really fun psychology studies, it seems that
changing a Type A personality to Type B is just simply, not that simple. 

Maybe it is time to think
‘outside the control box’ on this.  What
can a control freak gain by tweaking – ever so slightly – our domineering
ways.  Here are some suggestions I came
up with for event professionals to control the CF inside them.

1-    
Swallow your pride.

If you made a mistake, admit it and fix
it!  If you realize you are in over your
head. Ask for help.  Events happen by
multiple vendors coming together.  Ask a
vendor for help! 

2-    
Embrace the chaos

Let’s not sugar coat this… events are
stressful!  There is no way to avoid it,
so you need to ride the wave. When I started in the event industry (too long
ago to mention), I would have serious anxiety before, during, and after every
event.  It took many crazy events and a
really good boss for me to finally learn – “I can’t control the chaos”.
However, what you can control is yourself and how you react.  If you seem calm in a stressful situation it
immediately calms down the client and all around.

3-    
Ask for help

It is okay if you reach out and lean on a
vendor or coworker every once in a while. 
You might gain more than you lose giving up some control.  They might have a new idea or perspective you
have not thought of. They might have the solution that was eluding you.

4-     Perfect
is not an option

Try as
you might your event will not be perfect. It might be extremely close, but
perfection is not an option. Believe it or not, your client does not expect it
either. They just want you to think they do to keep you on your toes. So,
prepare yourself ahead of time and don’t beat yourself up when something goes
awry. Fix it and move on.  Continuing to
agonize over it will only ensure that more mistakes are going to happen.

5-    
Smile and have fun

You got into the event industry for a
reason.  Showing your team how much fun
you’re having makes them relax and enjoy it. 
A happy team = a successful event!  Take a minute to reflect on a success and pat
you and your team on the back. You did it!

Now that I have shared my
thoughts, it’s time for me to practice what I preach.