MicroManagement - Use Or MisUse?

The term micromanagement has entered the management vernacular and is now used to describe a wide range of management styles. From the dictionary definition of micromanagement as "the act of giving excessive attention to small details" to more nuanced takes, the word conjures up different meanings for different people.

When it comes to micromanagement, there is a very fine line between Good and Bad. Good micromanagement is about being involved in the details of your team's work in order to ensure quality and success. Bad micromanagement is about being overbearing, controlling, and excessively critical. No one wants to feel like they're being constantly watched and monitored at work. It's demoralizing, and it can make even the most competent employees feel like they're not good enough. This can lead to decreased motivation and decreased productivity.
Additionally, if managers are too focused on the details, they may miss out on the bigger picture.



When micromanagement might be appropriate?

But while too much micromanagement is a bad thing, a little bit of it can be helpful, especially when you're onboarding new team members. If someone is new to a task or job, they may need more guidance and supervision in order to learn the ropes. Also, in cases, where accuracy and precision are critical, such as in surgery or engineering, micromanagement may be necessary to ensure that everything is done correctly. A light touch of micromanagement can help newbies get acclimated to your company's culture and expectations. And once they're up to speed, you can back off and let them fly solo. So if you're feeling the urge to hover, try to do it in a way that's supportive rather than overbearing, and your team will thank you for it.



How do you know as a Manager that you may be crossing into the bad territory?

When you're -
- constantly checking in on your team members, even when they don't need or want your help.
- always second-guessing your team's decisions, even when they've already been made.
- quick to criticize your team's work, even when it's not warranted.
- reluctant to delegate tasks or give your team members any autonomy.
If you find yourself exhibiting any of these behaviors, it's important to reign it in. Micromanagement can quickly lead to a toxic work environment where your team members feel stifled and unvalued. Instead, focus on providing support and guidance when needed, but trust your team to do their job well.



What are the Good Management Practices?

When it comes to management practices, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What works for one company/person might not work for another. Nevertheless, some general guidelines can help you identify good management practices.

  • Involve employees in decision-making – This shows that you trust your employees and respect their opinions. Furthermore, it helps to ensure that decisions are made based on the collective wisdom of the team rather than just the opinion of one individual.
  • Set clear goals and expectations – Change can be tough, and your team may need time to adjust to a new way of working. Be sure to communicate your expectations clearly, without which its easy for employees to become frustrated and disengaged.
  • Provide feedback – Whether it is positive or negative, feedback is essential for helping employees improve their performance. Feedback lets employees know what they are doing well and where they need to make improvements.
  • Encourage open communication – Open communication between managers and employees is important for fostering a healthy working relationship. It allows employees to feel comfortable coming to their managers with questions or concerns.
  • Promote a culture of learning – A key component of good management.
  • Lastly, if you find that your employees are struggling to adjust to your level of micromanagement, have an honest conversation with them about what is working and what isn't.



How to deal with a micromanager?

If you're lucky enough not to work for a micromanager, chances are you know someone who does. It's not fun to work for someone who is constantly looking over your shoulder and breathing down your neck. Here are a few tips on how to deal with a micromanager:

  • Talk to your boss: It can be difficult to approach your boss about their micromanaging tendencies, but it's important to have a frank discussion about what is and isn't working for you. Your boss may not even realize that they're being too hands-on, so letting them know how their behavior is Affecting you which can be eye-opening for them.
  • Set boundaries: If your boss is constantly asking you for updates on your work or checking in on you multiple times throughout the day, it's important to set boundaries. Let them know what times of day you're available to talk, and stick to those times. If they start calling or emailing outside of those hours, politely remind them of the boundary you've set.



Conclusion

There's no question that micromanagement can be misused and abused, leading to employee frustration and a lack of productivity. However, when used correctly, micromanagement can be an effective tool for ensuring quality control and meeting deadlines. If you're thinking about implementing a micromanagement strategy in your business, make sure you do your research first and ensure that you're using it in the right way.