Episode 164: Control vs. Influence—What Today’s Leader’s Get Wrong

Published: May 21, 2025

Details

In this episode of The 90th Percentile, we explore the enduring relevance of a decades-old leadership theory that feels more urgent than ever. Joe Folkman joins us to revisit Control Graph Theory—first introduced in the 1960s—and shares new research from over 200 teams showing why the total amount of influence in an organization matters more than whoholds it.

We discuss why authoritarian leadership is making a comeback, how centralized control stifles engagement, and what modern leaders can do to create workplaces where people feel heard, valued, and empowered. From Amazon’s algorithmic management systems to Toyota’s famous Andon cord, we examine real-world examples of what happens when influence is hoarded versus shared.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a rising leader, this episode offers practical steps to shift from a control-centric mindset to one that cultivates broad-based influence—without sacrificing speed, accountability, or performance.

Key Learnings

1. More Influence = More Engagement
   Teams with higher total influence—spread across managers and employees—consistently outperform those with concentrated control at the top.

2. Authoritarian Approaches Are Backfiring
   Amid economic uncertainty and new surveillance technologies, some leaders are reverting to command-and-control models. The result? Lower morale, higher turnover, and reduced innovation.

3. Crisis ≠ Excuse for Control
   While centralized decisions may be necessary during acute crises, organizations that routinely distribute influence are more resilient in the long run.

4. Leaders Must Invite and Act on Input
   Empowering others doesn’t mean losing control—it means gaining commitment. Leaders should create real opportunities for input and close the loop on how it’s used.

5. Influence Isn’t a Zero-Sum Game
   Great leaders don’t hoard power—they expand it. By building trust and enabling contribution, they create teams that are more agile, engaged, and successful.

Webinar

Zenger Folkman hosts an exclusive live webinar every month, where you can meet Jack Zenger and Joe Folkman and talk about their latest leadership development research. Find out more information and register here.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 15:30 — 14.2MB)

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