Here is another repost of one of my high-traffic blog posts.
Roberta Gilbert writes about over-functioning in her book, The Cornerstone Concept.
Murray Bowen, creator of Family Systems Theory, once declared, “Over-functioning is irresponsible responsibility.”
The #1 complaint I hear from leaders: that they, as leaders, do too much and their teams do too little. Leaders blame others for what they create. There is a reciprocity in over-functioning. The counter-force is under-functioning.
What is over-functioning? It is micromanaging.
Over-functioning is doing something for others that they should be doing themselves.
If you want to make an enemy, then do something for them that they should do for themselves.
We think we are helping, when, in fact, we are really causing an opposite and emotional reaction.
Look at yourself.
Are you doing things that others should be doing?
It’s time to stop.
Helpful Resources:
The Vision Group, Ltd., Blog Post: Are You an Over-Functioning Leader?
Murray Bowen’s essays: Family Therapy in Clinical Practice
Roberta Gilbert: The Cornerstone Concept
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