Micromanagement is a management style characterized by excessive control and attention to small details by a manager over their subordinates. This often leads to a lack of autonomy for employees and can hinder productivity and morale. Micromanagers are typically involved in the day-to-day operations of their team, leaving little room for independent decision-making and personal responsibility.
Micromanagement meaning with examples
- In the workplace, micromanagement can manifest when a manager insists on reviewing every email the team sends, limiting their ability to communicate effectively. This can lead to frustration and doubt among team members, as they may feel their professional judgment is not trusted, stifling creativity and motivation.
- During project development, the project manager showcased micromanagement by requiring daily updates from each member on their progress. Rather than empowering employees to take initiative, the constant oversight fostered anxiety and diminished the team's overall morale, resulting in a decline in productivity.
- When a leader implements micromanagement, employees may experience burnout from the pressure of constant scrutiny. Instead of feeling confident in their roles, they may second-guess their decisions, leading to a toxic work environment where collaboration and innovation are discouraged.
- An effective manager avoids micromanagement by providing guidance while allowing employees the space to tackle their own tasks. In contrast, when leaders fall into the trap of micromanagement, they risk alienating their team and stifling personal growth, potentially causing talented individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere.