7 Times it is Important to MicroManage
I am a macro-manager. I like to lead leaders, so I try to paint the big picture for a team and release team members to do their work carrying out the mission of an organization in his or her own way. You can read some of my philosophies HERE and HERE.
There are times, however, where more micro-management is needed by the senior leadership. This does not mean the senior leadership should take over management of the team or bypass the team leader, but it does mean the senior leadership needs to be more attentive to the team or team leader during these times. More coaching, encouraging or correction may be needed for a time. (I am using the terms team and team leader, but that could be committee, department, or area, depending on your organization’s terminology.)
Times such as:
- When the team or team leader is new to the organization
- When a team or team leader has been severely crippled by injury or stress
- When a team leader leaves the team suddenly or unexpectedly
- When a team is tackling a new objective, critical to the organization and the team leader is overwhelmed or unqualified
- When a team is in a state of transition or change
- When the team leader’s continuance with the organization is in jeopardy or question
- When the team is underperforming in relation to other teams in the organization
The important thing is that the end goals and objectives of the organization must be reached, so at certain critical times in the life of an organization, a leader must step in and insure the vision is accomplished. When life returns to normal, the leader can return to being a macro manager.
Have you had to alter your leadership style for a specific time-period or circumstance?
For more thoughts on leadership, click HERE.


2 responses to "7 Times it is Important to MicroManage"
I have not faced such occasions yet. May be in the future. However, I have observed that my senior Pastor has had to be a micro manager in certain times.
I think it's important to note that if you've decided to micro-manage, you should explain what you're doing and why. I was micro-managed for the final 3 months in my last ministry position, never being told that my job was in jeopardy or that I was supposed to be 'fixing' anything.
If you feel micro-managed and don't know why, you'd better go over this list to see what might be going on.