Four ways to overcome micromanaging

Editor's Note

There are four steps that leaders can take to identify and minimize their tendency to micromanage, the December 5 SmartBrief on Leadership reports.

The steps include:

• Create a written agreement—a plan in writing that covers responsibilities, deadlines, resources needed, dates for execution.
• Schedule check-in dates—check-in dates build trust and prevent blindsides.
• Create systems of accountability—managers should let employees know from the start that they will offer feedback during check-in dates as well as times when discrepancies are noticed.
• No blindsides—managers should not blindside employees by holding back until yearly performance reviews to have difficult conversations.

Open communication is important up, down, and across the organization, the report notes.