Managing Software for Growth: Without Fear, Control, and the Manufacturing Mindset

Nothing to Lose

In a way, the old 7-UP^® commercials describe the control managers really have. They never had it, and never will, at least not the absolute kind they think they want. The uncomfortable fact is, as Philip Streatfield says, managers are in control and not in control, simultaneously. Managers can do things on purpose, and even make plans, but the only healthy way to do that is to know in advance that what we do and what we plan won't pan out as intended. You make your plans, then life happens. We have to get used to living with the paradox of being in control and not being in control all at once. We have to get used to, as Streatfield says, “handling the anxiety of 'not knowing,'” being willing to act as if an expected outcome will ...