I’ve been in enough IT leadership situations to know that trying to control everything is a losing battle. Whether it’s an executive who won’t sign off on a budget, a developer resisting process changes, or a vendor who suddenly changes terms—it’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing control instead of leading with clarity.
That’s why Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory struck a chord with me. Instead of wasting energy trying to manage reactions, opinions, or resistance, the key is to focus on what I can actually influence. For tech leaders, that means letting go of control where it doesn’t serve us and doubling down where it does.
Here’s how I see the five biggest takeaways from Let Them applying directly to technology leadership:
1. Stop Wasting Energy on Things I Can’t Control
I’ve spent too many hours trying to convince resistant stakeholders to adopt security best practices, embrace new tools, or commit to strategic roadmaps. But the reality is, some people aren’t ready to listen, no matter how much I explain. The smartest move? Let Them resist—and channel my efforts into those who are open to change.
2. Let Them + Let Me: A Leadership Mindset Shift
I can’t control how people react to digital transformation or whether they embrace automation with open arms. But I can control how I frame the narrative, support my team, and make thoughtful decisions. If a key stakeholder is skeptical about a cloud migration? Let Them. Instead of getting defensive, I Let Me refine the strategy and deliver results that speak for themselves.
3. The Illusion of Control and Fear of Judgment
Early in my career, I wasted energy overthinking every tech recommendation I made, afraid of pushback or rejection. But experience has taught me that hesitating out of fear of judgment only slows progress. Whether it’s choosing a new vendor or setting a tech roadmap, I now remind myself: Let Them judge—I’ll make decisions based on data, expertise, and long-term value.
4. Overcoming Chronic Comparison in the Tech Industry
It’s tempting to measure success against Silicon Valley giants or competitors rolling out AI-driven solutions at breakneck speed. But comparison is a trap. Instead of worrying about what others are doing, I Let Them chase trends while I Let Me focus on what’s best for my team, my company, and the problems we’re solving.
5. Mastering IT Team Dynamics Through Radical Acceptance
Not every engineer wants to upskill. Not every executive sees the value in zero-trust security until an incident happens. I’ve learned that instead of battling resistance, I can Let Them hesitate—while I move forward with the people who are ready to lead the change.
How I’m Applying This in My Leadership
Every time I find myself frustrated by resistance, delays, or differing opinions, I ask: Am I trying to control something that’s not mine to control? If the answer is yes, I remind myself: Let Them. And then I shift focus to what I can do next.
Because leadership in tech isn’t about forcing control—it’s about guiding teams, embracing uncertainty, and making strategic moves with confidence. The more I apply this mindset, the more I realize that real influence isn’t about control—it’s about clarity.
And that’s a leadership principle worth embracing.
#Leadership #LetThemTheory #TechClarity #EmotionalIntelligence #CIO #MindsetShift
Beyond the Newsletter: Your Personal Guide to Seamless IT Support
As I delve into the fascinating realms of technology and science for our newsletter, I can't help but acknowledge the crucial role of seamless IT networks, efficient desktop environments, and effective cloud systems. This brings to light an important aspect of my work that I am proud to share with you all. Besides curating engaging content, I personally offer a range of IT services tailored to your unique needs. Be it solid desktop support, robust network solutions, or skilled cloud administration, I'm here to ensure you conquer your technological challenges with ease and confidence. My expertise is yours to command. Contact me at michael@conceptualtech.com.
About Tech Topics
Tech Topics is a newsletter with a focus on contemporary challenges and innovations in the workplace and the broader world of technology. Produced by Boston-based Conceptual Technology (http://www.conceptualtech.com), the articles explore various aspects of professional life, including workplace dynamics, evolving technological trends, job satisfaction, diversity and discrimination issues, and cybersecurity challenges. These themes reflect a keen interest in understanding and navigating the complexities of modern work environments and the ever-changing landscape of technology.
Tech Topics offers a multi-faceted view of the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of technology, work, and life. It prompts readers to think critically about how they interact with technology, both as professionals and as individuals. The publication encourages a holistic approach to understanding these challenges, emphasizing the need for balance, inclusivity, and sustainability in our rapidly changing world. As we navigate this landscape, the insights provided by these articles can serve as valuable guides in our quest to harmonize technology with the human experience.
