micromanagement

Micromanagement is a management approach in which a supervisor closely observes or controls the work of subordinates, focusing on small details and often second-guessing decisions. It typically involves frequent status updates, excessive approvals, rewriting team members' work, and limited delegation of decision-making authority, which can undermine autonomy and trust.

Causes include fear of failure, lack of clear goals, insufficient training in delegation, a control-oriented organizational culture, performance anxiety, and relationships built on mistrust.

Consequences for individuals and teams can include reduced job satisfaction, lower creativity, slower decision-making, higher turnover, and diminished learning as employees rely on approval rather than initiative.

Signs can emerge in high-pressure environments or in organizations with rigid hierarchies, but micromanagement can also arise in otherwise capable teams when leaders have unclear expectations or when feedback mechanisms are punitive.

Strategies to prevent micromanagement include defining clear outcomes and timelines, delegating decision rights, providing training in delegation and feedback, establishing regular but non-intrusive check-ins, and fostering psychological safety and trust.

Alternative approaches such as servant leadership, empowerment, and outcome-based management emphasize autonomy, responsibility, and accountability while maintaining alignment with goals.