"The Cardinals are tired of reading about financial corruption, sexual improprieties and infighting at the Vatican. They want a Pope who can get things under control," explained Father Thomas Reese to Tom Ashbrook on his NPR "On Point" radio show today.
When there are calls to "get things under control" there is no hope for control.
Whether it's trying to control clergy in the Catholic Church, parents angry over school policies, or customers tweeting unfavorable product reviews, there is no control.
When I hear "get things under control" I know it's a situation that can only be addressed by getting at root cause issues. It's not a "handling" or crisis communications issue, it's a systemic issue requiring that the real problems be addressed.
No new Pope can get the Catholic Church "under control" without addressing some deep seated issues.
No business leader can get customers under control if customers hate the products or customer service.
No school official can get parents under control if they feel their children are not being served.
No politician can get voters under control if they believe the politician is more interested in getting elected than representing their views.
No good can come from trying to control.