Micromanagement Definition
Micromanagement is a management style where a manager closely observes and controls the work of their employees, often to an excessive degree. This approach can lead to decreased employee morale, reduced productivity, and high turnover rates.
How Micromanagement Works
Micromanagement involves managers intervening in every aspect of their employees’ work, from how tasks are performed to when they are completed. This style of management often stems from a lack of trust in employees’ abilities and can create a stifling work environment.
Best Practices to Avoid Micromanagement
- Build Trust: Develop trust in your employees by giving them autonomy to complete tasks in their own way.
- Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate goals and expectations, then allow employees the freedom to achieve them without excessive oversight.
- Focus on Results: Evaluate performance based on outcomes rather than the process, giving employees flexibility in how they achieve goals.
- Provide Support, Not Control: Offer guidance and support when needed, but resist the urge to control every detail of the work.
Key Features of Micromanagement
- Excessive Control: Managers closely monitor and direct all aspects of employee work.
- Lack of Trust: Often reflects a lack of confidence in employees’ abilities.
- Negative Impact: Can lead to lower job satisfaction, reduced creativity, and higher turnover.
