Most of the time, micromanaging is not a positive characteristic of leadership. Here are some reasons leaders resort to micromanaging:
- Fear – When the leader feels that another person may receive credit or recognition greater than the leader; he or she is more likely to try to navigate every outcome.
- Insecurity – When the leader is afraid he or she doesn't have what it takes to lead the team or organization, in order to protect his or her back, the leader begins to control the actions of those on the team.
- Wrong team members – When the leader doesn't feel he or she can trust the team members, he or she is likely to lead activities normally delegated.
- Bad vision – The problem may not be the people…or even the leader…but the leader is pushing people to accomplish something that no one buys into or won’t work. Sometimes it’s time to move forward, but the leaders hanging onto a sinking ship.
- Control Freak – Some leaders relish the idea of holding power and so, to keep that sense of control, they use their position’s authority to retain control rather than delegating.
Leaders, are you guilty of micromanaging? Do any of these reasons apply to you?
The important thing for a leader to do, if he or she wants to see the organization flourish, is learn to let go of control and let others lead. If the problem is the organization or people, then work to fix it so you don’t have to micromanage. If the problem is the leader…well…start developing yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
