Are Your Micromanagement Tactics Too Much for Your Employees to Handle?

A great manager is one who inspires and enables their employees, but many managers who feel pressured to accomplish business goals fall prey to the temptation to micromanage their team. While you’ve likely heard that micromanagement is a poor choice in leadership styles, it can be hard to break that habit. It’s frustrating for the employee and a waste of time for leadership to get so bogged down in the minutiae of daily work. When there is so much on the line it can be tempting to reign in your staff to make sure the job gets done to your expectations. But don’t be fooled, it’s not worth the grief. Here are three ways to make sure you are not micromanaging your team to the point of holding them back.

Be Confident in Who You Hire

Too many project managers consider contract staff to be a necessary evil. While the demand for contract employees is often seasonal and temporary, the work you should expect from your workforce should always remain high quality. Skilled temporary workers are not only in demand but available and committed to maintaining a high level of performance on the job. Have confidence in the team you build, even if they won’t be staying long term. By building solid relationships with contractors you ensure their commitment to you, and may likely have the opportunity to work with them again.

Engage And Inspire

Employees want to be engaged at work. They want to be trusted and challenged. Be careful that how you manage your team doesn’t leave them feeling unappreciated or bored. Don’t micromanage, but at the same time recognize when you have to get involved and provide the leadership they need to fine-tune their work. No manager wants to have to constantly look over their shoulder to make sure the team is on track. Time is much better spent on growing your business and achieving higher level goals. However, your goal should always be to set up your employees to succeed, and then encourage them to grow and be better than they were yesterday.

Trust Your Team

Working with a high functioning team can require a lot of trust on your part, as a manager. Keep in mind that you need to build a trusting relationship with all your staff, regular and temporary. Trust is critical to an efficient work environment. You don’t want to have to micromanage your staff. And they want to know you trust them to do their jobs well. Remember to be honest and open with staff. Make your expectations clear and follow through on your promises. Building rock solid relationships with your temporary staff is the single best way to make sure they are fully committed to the project at hand.

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For more advice on building and leading the best team you can, connect with the industry experts at Ag 1 Source today. Our leadership consultants will help connect you with the talent you can trust to get the job done right.