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If you feel that your workplace is not exactly what you wish it would be or you constantly find yourself struggling to keep your boss out of your hair to actually get some work done, maybe you are being “micromanaged” without knowing it.
How to identify a micromanager?
You can easily spot them right away. They will pay extra attention to every detail of your job and struggle to delegate control going as far as doing other people's job in order to have their way.
If you don’t know who that person is at your office, chances are it’s you. But don’t worry, being a micromanager is not as bad as it may sound. Actually, micromanagers have extraordinary organizational skills and are always ready to do what it takes to make sure every goal is achieved.
They might seem like a little too much, but the truth is that, if you already are a micromanager and want to be the best at it, you can definitely use some tips to keep your team engaged and become a great leader people look forward to work with.
Keep your ears open
Recent studies show that only 30% of employees believe their job is perceived as an important contribution to the success of the company. That is probably, because their micromanager was paying more attention to numbers than to interacting with their team.
So, always listen! You could be pleasantly surprised with all the great ideas your team came up with to improve the overall performance of their peers and the company in general.
Criticism is good
Don’t forget to talk to your team. Ask for their opinion and try to have an open mind to their suggestions. That way you will ensure a sense of independence and they will feel like they’re working for a cause, not only for a company that expects them to make money. This sense of accomplishment will transform into better results for everyone. Give them feedback and let them know that hard work goes a long way.
Out of sight…Not as bad as it sounds
Micromanagers are usually obsessed with keeping an eye on their employees at all times. But what they don’t know, is that allowing them to work remotely is actually a fantastic way to make them feel free and inspired since they don’t have to feel under pressure with a "helicopter" boss taking over on every task or just watching all their moves at the office.
Could you focus properly if you had someone looking over your shoulder? If you trust your employees to do their job, chances are they will feel independent and like they matter to the company. This is a great way to motivate and strengthen the sense of belonging and pride of your workforce.
Forget about numbers for a second
Of course, you have goals to accomplish, but pushing your employees in order to achieve them is probably the biggest mistake you can make. Focus your energy on making them feel part of a team, make them matter. Sure, you want to look good in front of the “big boss”, but don’t forget that you shouldn’t push too hard to make it happen. Hitting those numbers makes you look good, but it can also make you look bad in front of your team
People don’t quit their jobs, they quit their bosses
You probably have heard the expression before and it’s absolutely true. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute: working for a good company, having a decent compensation but dealing with a hostile environment where you are nothing but a pawn in order to achieve a financial goal. Probably not the dream job. Picture yourself as their collaborator instead of acting like a scary boss. Great leaders are there to guide, not to intimidate their employees.
So, if you're ever assigned with a micromanager job, don't be afraid to take it. It could be a great opportunity for you, a huge step forward in your career. But don't forget to set your priorities straight and lead the path to success instead of forcing your way to the top. Vertical organization in a company is old news, join the new manager generation!
Juliana Posada
Online Content Creator at neuvoo
How to identify a micromanager?
You can easily spot them right away. They will pay extra attention to every detail of your job and struggle to delegate control going as far as doing other people's job in order to have their way.
If you don’t know who that person is at your office, chances are it’s you. But don’t worry, being a micromanager is not as bad as it may sound. Actually, micromanagers have extraordinary organizational skills and are always ready to do what it takes to make sure every goal is achieved.
They might seem like a little too much, but the truth is that, if you already are a micromanager and want to be the best at it, you can definitely use some tips to keep your team engaged and become a great leader people look forward to work with.
Keep your ears open
Recent studies show that only 30% of employees believe their job is perceived as an important contribution to the success of the company. That is probably, because their micromanager was paying more attention to numbers than to interacting with their team.
So, always listen! You could be pleasantly surprised with all the great ideas your team came up with to improve the overall performance of their peers and the company in general.
Criticism is good
Don’t forget to talk to your team. Ask for their opinion and try to have an open mind to their suggestions. That way you will ensure a sense of independence and they will feel like they’re working for a cause, not only for a company that expects them to make money. This sense of accomplishment will transform into better results for everyone. Give them feedback and let them know that hard work goes a long way.
Out of sight…Not as bad as it sounds
Micromanagers are usually obsessed with keeping an eye on their employees at all times. But what they don’t know, is that allowing them to work remotely is actually a fantastic way to make them feel free and inspired since they don’t have to feel under pressure with a "helicopter" boss taking over on every task or just watching all their moves at the office.
Could you focus properly if you had someone looking over your shoulder? If you trust your employees to do their job, chances are they will feel independent and like they matter to the company. This is a great way to motivate and strengthen the sense of belonging and pride of your workforce.
Forget about numbers for a second
Of course, you have goals to accomplish, but pushing your employees in order to achieve them is probably the biggest mistake you can make. Focus your energy on making them feel part of a team, make them matter. Sure, you want to look good in front of the “big boss”, but don’t forget that you shouldn’t push too hard to make it happen. Hitting those numbers makes you look good, but it can also make you look bad in front of your team
People don’t quit their jobs, they quit their bosses
You probably have heard the expression before and it’s absolutely true. Put yourself in their shoes for a minute: working for a good company, having a decent compensation but dealing with a hostile environment where you are nothing but a pawn in order to achieve a financial goal. Probably not the dream job. Picture yourself as their collaborator instead of acting like a scary boss. Great leaders are there to guide, not to intimidate their employees.
So, if you're ever assigned with a micromanager job, don't be afraid to take it. It could be a great opportunity for you, a huge step forward in your career. But don't forget to set your priorities straight and lead the path to success instead of forcing your way to the top. Vertical organization in a company is old news, join the new manager generation!
Juliana Posada
Online Content Creator at neuvoo