Micromanagement is a management style characterized by excessive supervision and control of subordinates and an obsession with details. It is generally considered to have a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of freedom and trust in the workplace, and excessive focus on details at the expense of the "big picture" and larger goals. Here are some key points about micromanagement:
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Definition: Micromanagement is a pattern of manager behavior marked by excessive supervision and control of employees’ work and processes, as well as a limited delegation of tasks or decisions to staff.
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Symptoms: Micromanagement involves an excessive focus on procedural minutia, requests for unnecessary and overly detailed reports, and a tendency to require constant and detailed performance feedback.
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Causes: People micromanage for a variety of reasons, including fear of failure, extreme need for control and domination, inexperience in management, insecurities, unskilled team members, unhealthy ego, and problems in their personal life.
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Effects: Micromanagement can reduce an employees confidence, extinguish autonomy, and severely impact creativity. It can also lead to anxiety, stress, and depression.
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How to deal with it: If you are dealing with a micromanager, it is important to communicate your concerns and try to establish trust and open communication. You can also try to set clear expectations and boundaries, and focus on building a positive relationship with your manager.
Overall, micromanagement is a counterproductive management style that can have negative effects on both employees and the organization as a whole. It is important for managers to recognize the signs of micromanagement and work to establish a more positive and productive management style.