Should You Micromanage Work?

The Merriam Websters Dictionary defines the term ‘micromanage’ as, “to manage especially with excessive control or attention to details” or, “to direct or conduct the activities of a group or an enterprise by micromanaging them.” Generally, micromanaging has a negative connotation and is seen as the management’s attempt to ensure that tasks are performed in a very precise manner. While every manager dreams of qualified employees who can take up a challenge and complete it with flying colors, there are certain instances where micromanagement becomes a necessity.

Close supervision and attention to detail are important in a company, especially when the company or a unit changes major strategies or operations. The leaders need to provide the right instructions and make sure everything goes according to plan. But it is also important to remember excessively managing employees can make them feel less valued and not trusted. As a micro manager, it is important to maintain a balance between being informed and being overly involved. A keen eye to detail will keep things on track but a microscopic eye to detail can derail the entire company.

Similarly, micromanagement can be helpful while working with customer complaints. It is always important to thoroughly investigate a serious complaint and take the necessary actions to keep customers satisfied and the maintain the company’s good name. So when a serious problem is brought to light, delve into the issue to see what changes are required and where. It also would allow the company to control customer feedback and use it to their advantage.

Micromanaging can help establish a dedicated system for various processes like hiring, salary payments and crisis management. By having a detailed plan in place for various occasions and instances, the company and the employees tend to save time and work better. These detailed plans include everything from compensation packages and leaves to hiring employees and severance packages. A structured and well planned procedure will reduce the time taken to hire employees and make the exit process smoother.

As the manager of a company if becomes your responsibility to make sure the work is done on time and is up to standards. But it is also important to remember that constantly micromanaging every tiny detail will not only increase your work load but will also make the workplace hostile. Find the balance between micromanaging and supervising to create the perfect harmony.