#20 Three common ways that we micro-manage...and how to avoid it

None of us likes to be micro-managed by others, and yet many leaders will micro-manage at times.  To Energise Action, we need to understand how to avoid the three common ways that we micro-manage.

1) Classic Micro-Managing
This is where we get into every detail, focused on the how, every step, every moment. Our staff feel that we are watching over them and they become afraid of making a mistake. They do not put any of their own energy into the project. They simply want to avoid the punishment of being told that they are doing it wrong. This often leads to anxiety and avoidance.

​2) Passive Micro-Managing
​Many of us are so concerned about micro-managing our direct reports, that we avoid giving too many specifics about the project and objectives. We think we are “empowering” our reports to figure it out. Two weeks into the project, you realise they are going in the completely wrong direction. They are excited because they believe they are adding value, but they are not solving the problem that needs to be solved. We then need to stop the team and redirect them in the proper 

direction. This can cause frustration because the direction was never mentioned beforehand. The details ​of the project needed to be clear upfront and now they feel they have wasted two weeks of their time and effort. Being clear on the outcome of a project, from the outset, is imperative to avoid costly course corrections later.

3) Micro-Managing When We Think We are Coaching
When we observe an opportunity for one of our staff to improve their current performance, by suggesting a particular action, we believe we are coaching when we are actually micro-managing. While our intention is noble, and we are very careful in our approach, the fact is, if the individual does not believe there is a performance issue, all coaching will be seen as micromanaging. For coaching to be successful, there needs to be implicit permission from your direct report. They need to believe that they can benefit from your ideas to help them improve.  The solution is simple: Ask them if they want a suggestion. The tough part is if they say, “No, I’m fine.” In this case, we need to be prepared to let it go. This does not mean you don’t hold them accountable for their performance. When they choose the way to accomplish the goal, they are assuming accountability. The clearer you are on the expectations, timeline and performance levels, the more you create opportunities where they will seek coaching to help achieve the performance expectation.
 
So, hold your staff accountable by setting clear expectations up front and give them the space to accomplish the work. As you are there to help them be successful, you will Energise Action.
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