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“Micromanage: Does it Work, or Does it Hinder?”
Micromanaging often stifles creativity and independence, turning simple tasks into stressful challenges while slowing overall progress.
Susan Bell
October 23, 2024
Definition: Merriam-Webster defines micromanaging this way:
To manage, especially with excessive control or attention to details
Micromanagement (work or home)
In this post, we’re going to explore what micromanaging is and how it affects people. We’ll look at why some people micromanage and how it can impact work or daily life. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of if it helps make things go smoother and when it can get in the way.
So, let's identify some micromanaging habits.
Not focusing on the outcome.
Micromanagers become bogged down in the details, losing the ability to see the bigger picture.
Do any of these phrases sound like you?
If I don't do the laundry no one would.
I'm too tired to cook after working all day - let's eat out. It's easier.
I don't have enough time to work and keep a house.
If any of these sound familiar, you're in the right place. The following lessons will help you loosen your grip on certain habits that cost you time, money, and peace of mind.
Every task needs approval
How about these sentences?
No one sorts the laundry right.
My son never folds his clothes so I do it.
No one loads the dishwasher the way I do.
For many micromanagers, the idea of giving anyone control is unthinkable. Micromanagers believe that only they are capable of effective decision-making. This often leads the person to whom the task was assigned to feel attacked about any outcome, rapidly diminishing self-confidence and often leading to a fight.
An obsession with constant updates (work-related)
This can result in people spending more time producing detailed updates than focusing on what they are employed to do. When people constantly need to justify themselves they then feel they are not trusted to do their jobs.
Difficulty Delegating
The micromanager becomes so overloaded with doing everything that certain feelings come from the lack of 'relaxed delegation'. I say 'relaxed' because we can't delegate with every task needing approval. Do any of these sentences sound familiar?
I'm so tired of doing everything.
There's no appreciation for all I do.
I do everything and I ask one thing and it's too much!
Over-complicating instructions and hovering over results.
An obsession with minor details means that even straightforward projects can quickly become ridiculously over-complicated. Instructions are so detailed the task becomes a struggle rather than a help.
The belief that no one else is capable
Micromanagers often believe they are the only person able to do any task and the only one to do it right. As we mentioned earlier, this is why they get involved in everything. This creates so much stress and makes microplanning almost impossible.
In Summary: Micromanaging involves excessive control and attention to detail, often leading to frustration, diminished confidence in others, and a constant need for approval. In contrast, micro-planning focuses on managing tasks through proper time management, delegation, and tools to maintain a balanced and less stressful workflow. This course will guide you in shifting from micromanaging behaviors to micro-planning strategies, helping you free up time, reduce stress, and empower others to take on tasks effectively.
Everyone marvels at those people who get more done in one day than most get done in a week. How do they do it?
Now you can be one of them - like me! I get more done in one day than most people can start in a week. Check out my free online course Zone Planning on Udemy.