As a manager, it can be easy to fall into the habit of micromanaging. Managers have the pressure of proving themselves to their teams while also ensuring they are delivering results for the company, which sometimes can lead to being overly involved with the team’s work.
Harvard Business Review recommends asking yourself the following three questions to ensure you are not micromanaging.
- Am I always giving my team advice? Offering advice to your team members can be crucial when situations truly require it, such as high-stakes projects or urgent issues. But generally, you should help people develop their own approaches, asking teaching-oriented questions that will help your direct reports grow.
- Do I need to approve every decision my team makes? Make a list of high-stakes decisions you must oversee or approve and lower-stakes items you can delegate to trusted employees. Delegating saves time and gives your employees a chance to learn.
- Do I approach feedback as a one-way street? When you check in one on one with team members, turn feedback discussions into a dialogue. Allow your reports to evaluate themselves before sharing your evaluation, and be proactive about asking your team for feedback regarding your leadership.
