"I believe managing is like holding a dove in your hand. If you hold it too tightly you kill it, but if you hold it too loosely, you lose it"

Effective management lies in achieving a delicate balance between control and freedom, as illustrated by Tommy Lasorda's metaphor. Holding a dove too tightly represents a controlling, authoritarian management style, where every action is dictated, and autonomy is stifled. Such an approach may stem from a desire to prevent mistakes or assert power, but it risks destroying motivation, creativity, and morale. When people feel suffocated by micromanagement or constant oversight, their willingness to contribute fades, innovation is suppressed, and relationships sour. Eventually, the negative consequences can lead to disengagement or even the departure of valuable team members.

Conversely, holding the dove too loosely reflects a lack of direction and involvement, where boundaries are blurred, and accountability disappears. While a laissez-faire attitude may seem to empower employees, too much freedom without structure leads to confusion, inconsistency, and lack of purpose. Employees may become uncertain of expectations or priorities, causing productivity and cohesion to suffer. In such situations, individuals may drift away from collective goals or lose commitment, resulting in underperformance and weakened team spirit.

The metaphor serves as a guide for managers to embrace a middle path, providing enough support and direction to nurture growth, yet allowing space for independence and initiative. Establishing clear expectations, offering constructive feedback, and fostering trust are all components of this balanced approach. An effective leader observes, listens, and adapts their grip according to the temperament and needs of the team. The goal is to create an environment where people feel secure enough to take risks, yet responsible enough to stay aligned with organizational objectives.

The image of holding a dove captures the fragility of relationships and the importance of subtlety in leadership. Success in management does not come from extremes but from the wisdom to adjust one's hold, ensuring that both the organization and its people thrive.