What is Micro-Management?
Micro-management is considered as a non-productive management approach in which not only a leader does not allow other organization members to be involved in decision making but also, he or she focuses on details which are not important in fulfilling the tasks and organizational objectives. One of the main disadvantages of the micro-management style is that it does not allow employees to think effectively and force them to be only followers without having any reflection. In my opinion, that’s one of the main issues in small companies, since due to strict management, most employees learned to be told and supervised carefully. Therefore, as soon as the supervisor removes the pressure or stays away from the project, everyone stops working responsibly.
Micro-management style has two key features: 1) Leaders prefer to do everything themselves or interfere in all matters. 2) Leaders are the only decision makers, and subordinates must follow orders without asking any questions. In this regard, although this approach may create quick results in some circumstances, it reduces employees’ motivation and dedication. From a similar view, micro-management approach is like a one-man show in which a leader runs the whole business and without him or her, the operation might get damaged or even stopped. This method is like a decision-making approach in small business in which the business owner is the only decision maker and may lead the business to success or failure.
How to Avoid Micro-Management
Through the modern leadership approach, one of the primary roles of a leader is to create an environment in which team members get to the self-direction level. This matter can be done by implementing two important approaches 1) Task behavior in which the facilitator helps members to learn about their tasks and to determine how they can achieve their goals 2) Maintenance behavior to help members communicate efficiently and get involved in decision making. The author states that four stages by which a leader can slowly but firmly switch from micro-management to a more democratic level of leadership are:
- Tell : The leader tells his/her team about the job and what they need to do
- Coach : The leader explains how team members can accomplish the job
- Support : The leader joins the team in conducting the task
- Delegate : The leader delegates the tasks and decision making to team members
Dr. Ali Asadi is an author, business coach and international speaker. He specializes in helping professionals achieve success in today’s highly competitive business environment. A well-respected entrepreneur who has written over 10 books and e-books purchased by professionals and success seekers in more than 78 countries, Ali’s wisdom on the many Golden Rules of business is widely acclaimed.
