Being a manager is no easy feat. Whether you aspired to earn a promotion or simply proved to be excellent at your job, managing a team can sometimes lead to unwanted habits. One of the trickiest ones? Hovering over your staff members. Some managers, especially those who’ve worked their way up through hard work, may want to oversee every tiny detail. This, in turn, can create frustration and resentment among their team members.
Writer Michele McGovern says most people who micromanage don’t even know they’re micromanaging. However, wanting things to be “just right” could be holding your team back. How can you tell if you’re in danger of becoming a dreaded micromanager? Keep reading. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share the 5 signs McGovern recommends watching for.
1. You think you’re the best. No one on your team can do things faster, better or more precisely than you. Right? If you agree, then you’re at risk of becoming a micromanager. Try to shake this mindset by giving your team members opportunities to take responsibility. Remember to encourage them to succeed, McGovern says, because this is how people learn and grow.
2. You’re busy but never delegate. It’s normal to have busy seasons but if you constantly feel maxed out, you’re probably micromanaging. The key to being a good leader, according to McGovern, is delegating. Give your team members tasks that match their strengths. Don’t only give them the tasks you don’t like doing — they probably won’t enjoy them either.
3. You believe it’s “my way or the highway.” If you seldom let your team members roll with a project and figure it out on their own, it’s another sign you might be micromanaging. Instead of hovering and giving them step-by-step instructions to make sure something is done how you would do it, let them think for themselves. You’ll have a much happier and more productive team, McGovern says.
4. You hold all authority. Does your staff need your approval before moving forward with tasks? If so, you’re a micromanager, according to McGovern. Consider what truly needs your approval and give your team members room to make their own decisions.
5. You have OCD tendencies or insomnia. Think about your life outside of work. If you have OCD tendencies or have difficulty sleeping, you may lean more toward micromanaging. People with OCD often feel the need to control everything and those with insomnia can’t leave things at work. They tend to obsess over things until they can’t sleep. The best thing you can do, McGovern says, is pursue some help through your mental well-being benefits. When you’re rested and more relaxed, it makes a big difference in your team’s happiness.
No one sets out to micromanage their team, but the habit can slowly creep in over time. If you notice yourself slipping into the habit of micromanaging, work on small ways to step back. Trust your employees to do their jobs and give them space to grow. A little hands-off leadership can work wonders for everyone.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Writer Michele McGovern covers management and leadership topics for a variety of organizations, including Resourceful Manager.
