Micromanaging – Why do you do it?

Do you do it?  Are you sure? The next time you are speaking to an employee, listen to yourself – your words, tone and intention.  Now ask yourself again – are you a micro-manager?

If you answered no, thank you and please continue reading anyway.  Those of you who answered yes, here are some questions I want you to think about:

• Do you trust those who work for you?
• Why or why not?
• Do they trust you?
• Why or why not?

My experience has shown me that micro-managing actually comes from a place of distrust – either you don’t them or they don’t trust you! Either way it is not a good place to be. Here are some quick tips to build that trust.

They don’t trust you:  this one is easier to fix.

• Do what you say you are going to do
• Don’t throw people under the bus
• Explain your intentions (i.e. “I am asking for this information because….)

You don’t trust them: you have some hard questions to ask yourself.

• Do you have the wrong person working for you? If so – change them. If not – let them work & focus on results.
• Have they let you down? Did you clearly explain your expectations?
• Give them smaller things to handle and slowly let them prove themselves.
• Don’t accuse them, ask them what is happening and be open to their response.

These are just a few ideas to get you moving in the right direction.  Want to learn more about trust? Read Steven M.R. Covey’s book “The Speed of Trust”.