How To Manage Micromanagement

Ever been micromanaged? Doesn’t feel great, right? And it’s easy to react emotionally to it. But why is your entrepreneur or team leader micromanaging? It’s likely not because they don’t trust you. In this episode of Team Success, host Shannon Waller breaks down why leaders micromanage, then coaches team members through an effective strategy to solve the problem. She also has tips for managers to unlock the source of the anxiety that is leading to their micromanaging their teams.

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Show Notes:

  • Failing to address micromanagement can lead to a lot of distraction and a lack of focus on results.
  • Micromanagement is not always about not trusting team members with their responsibilities.
  • Micromanaging is often a response to an emotion the micromanager hasn’t fully explored yet.
  • Shannon recommends the team member who is feeling micromanaged start a conversation with the micromanager to ask about the bigger picture, including what the best-case and worst-case scenarios look like to them.
  • Both parties can work through The Strategy Circle® thinking tool together so everyone is clear on not just the end goal but how each obstacle will be tackled.
  • Confidence can be further established by reporting progress at regular and frequent times.
  • If you find yourself becoming a micromanager, examine your own worries and fears.
  • Identify the best- and worst-case scenarios to gain clarity on your anxieties.
  • Communicate your concerns transparently to your team to foster trust and support.
  • Self-awareness and understanding others’ perspectives are crucial in addressing micromanagement issues.
  • Addressing micromanagement improves communication, collaboration, trust, and overall productivity.

Resources:

The Team Success Handbook by Shannon Waller