Most great leaders have been accused of micromanaging their team at one point in their leadership journey. But what makes them great today is that they've learned what is most often behind the dysfunctional action, and once you know it, it changes everything.
Here's the thing: every one of us has been micromanaged at some point in our lives, whether by an overzealous parent, coach, or supervisor. We know it doesn't feel good. Yet the pressures of leading and being responsible for outcomes often cause leaders to do and become the very thing they hated when they weren't leading.
So what is behind micromanaging, and how do we make sure we aren't guilty of it?
Psychologically speaking, there are several reasons why one might micromanage:
Fear of Failure - leaders often feel a deep sense of responsibility for success, and fear can make you do some crazy things.
Lack of Trust—This can happen because they inherited a team or hired poorly, but more often, it's not about the team at all—it's about past pain and disappointment that gets carried into the current environment.
Anxiety/Stress -- In a similar way to fear, anxiety is simply fear dysfunctioning. Anxiety lies to us and tells us that no one cares like we do and we are all alone. If not dealt with properly, anxiety will quickly take over and produce all kinds of destructive tendencies in a leader.
Imposter Syndrome—Some leaders struggle because they feel a deep sense of insecurity and fear of being "found out" as someone who is not capable. This tendency projects those feelings onto the people who work for them and assumes that others are incapable of handling the tasks when, deep down, the leader's own insecurities are in play.
So how do we avoid it? What's the secret to no longer micromanaging?
Grow Your Self Awareness -- a leader who does not fully understand the roots underneath their actions is dangerous. When we don't know the "why" underneath our "whats" we will forever treat the symptoms but never deal with the problem.
Focus on the Outcome—A good leader builds ownership in those he/she leads. Do you want people to care about what you're trying to accomplish? Share it, talk about the pressures, share the burden, and allow people to have ownership and do it the way they think best. (* key: don't delegate authority until the other person is an owner and cares about the outcome.)
Develop Your "Inside" Skills as much (or more) than You Do the Outside -- what I focus on with my clients is learning to be internally and holistically healthy. We get clarity around what's happening and why it's happening and then build a customized toolbox to manage it all. The online course "Rise Ready" will provide you with some foundational skills and jump-start your leadership. https://bit.ly/RiseReady
While most people think micromanaging is an external thing because that's where it shows up, it actually ALL flows from a mismanaged or underdeveloped internal life. A good coach will help you move in the right direction, and if you can't afford a coach, grab the ONLINE COURSE, Rise Ready, and get your leadership moving in the right direction.
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