Established, since 1997, leading UK based training provider.
Celebrating 25 years in business! CPD Member - The CPD Certification Service ilm Recognised Provider

Take Back Control

Take Back Control

Take Back Control

It is an interesting fact that the ideas you have in your mind, affect what you see, how you feel, and how you respond to situations.

For example: Imagine a person commits a crime.

How would you explain that?

  • If you believed in determinism, you would say, "He committed the crime because of his upbringing. His parents didn't bring him up properly or he fell-in with the wrong crowd. It wasn't really his fault. He should be helped, not punished."
  • If you believed in personal responsibility, you would say, "He made his own choice, and he chose to do the wrong thing. He is responsible and he needs to be punished".
  • If you believed in luck, you might say, "He was unlucky. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and events conspired against him to make him act that way. Maybe his luck will change."

Can you see that the same event will be seen and explained in different ways, depending on the belief you have?

Over the last three years, if you have not succeeded as well as you would have liked, how do you explain that?

Is it because of your parents, or your boss, or your friends, or God, or bad luck, or the government, or is it down to yourself?

How do you account for the way things are?

Responsibility = Control

It is important to remember that the ideas of Responsibility and Control go together, hand in hand.

  • If you have no control over the events, then you cannot be held responsible.
  • If you are responsible, then you have some control.

So when you are trying to figure out who is responsible for any lack of progress it may be a good thing to say to yourself.....

"I am responsible. I am responsible."

If you take responsibility, then you retain control.

If you don't take responsibility, then you give up control.

So be very cautious of blaming other people when things don't go well.

Don't blame the government. Don't blame your luck. Don't blame your friends. Don't blame your boss.

Take personal responsibility and say to yourself:

"I will take responsibility and I will make it change".

Quiz: Do You Have the Winner's Edge?

Take our Do You Have the Winner's Edge? questionnaire to discover to what degree you have the winner's edge.

Personal Development Training Personal Development Training Course Logo

Personal Development Training

In order to improve your performance, you may need to develop your personal and professional skills: meaning: skills of communication, planning, prioritisation, motivation and personal confidence. If you want to learn more, then click here for personal development training.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in General Development

  • Understanding Human Behaviour
    Understanding the behaviour of other people can be difficult, understanding ourselves can be even more tricky. Learn more with Corporate Coach Group.
    Read Article >
  • How to Improve Employee Retention
    Losing skilled and experienced staff is costly for a business, as is recruitment and training new staff. We examine the ways you can improve employee retention, by paying attention to your company’s ethos and providing training for your managers.
    Read Article >
  • How do you train leaders and manage change?
    Train leaders to manage change effectively with the right mindset, practical skills, and emotional intelligence. Learn how to foster innovation, adapt to new technology, and lead teams through transitions. Explore our courses today.
    Read Article >
  • Don't you trust me?
    Handling difficult people: "Don't you trust me?" Last week a female delegate on my course asked me a good question relating to the issue of trust. She said, "Can I ask you a question related to trust? I don't know how to handle the situation when my daughter, or anyone else...
    Read Article >
  • How to make more money
    Three steps to making money.
    Read Article >

Looking for Leadership and Management Training?

If you're looking to develop your General Development Skills, you may find this Leadership and Management Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

23 - 24 July
London - Central
£900 +VAT
28 - 29 July
Manchester City
£900 +VAT
Course Full
20 - 21 August
London - Central
£900 +VAT
26 - 27 August
Exeter
£900 +VAT
More dates and locations available
Save £100 on this course

Next Open Course Starts in 8 days, London - Central, places available Book Now >