How do controlling leaders typically engage with their teams?

Controlling leaders engage with their teams through close oversight of their work, which reflects their desire for control over processes and outcomes. This leadership style is characterized by a high level of direction and supervision, where the leader monitors tasks closely to ensure that they are completed according to their specifications. They tend to set clear expectations and often require strict adherence to guidelines, believing that this approach leads to better performance and minimizes errors.

In this context, controlling leadership is often contrasted with more empowering styles. For instance, fostering independence, allowing collaborative decision-making, and encouraging personal accountability are strategies that empower team members, promote autonomy, and enable a greater sense of ownership over their work. While these approaches can lead to innovation and increased morale, controlling leaders prioritize structure and oversight, which is why they engage through close management instead.