Confession Time: I Hate Micromanaging…So Why Am I Still Doing It?
I’ll admit it: micromanagement is my kryptonite. If you know me, I thrive on empowering others, building trust, and letting people shine in their lanes. So why-oh-why do I sometimes find myself smack in the middle of the micromanagement web, tangled up in details I swore I’d let go?
Am I the only one? (If you’re nodding, welcome to the club. If you’re not, please send help. Or chocolate.)
Lessons from the Micromanagement Maze
Let’s be real: micromanagement is a universal leadership struggle. Research shows it’s a recipe for frustration, burnout, and high turnover. It stifles creativity, erodes trust, and makes everyone-including the leader-feel like they’re running in circles with scissors (and not the safety kind).
Why do we do it?
- Perfectionism (If you want it done right, do it yourself…right?)
- Fear of failure (What if they drop the ball and it reflects on me?)
- Difficulty letting go (It’s just easier if I handle it…)
- Anxiety about outcomes (If I’m not in every detail, something will go wrong).
But here’s the kicker: micromanagement is like cutting grass with scissors-tedious, ineffective, and a waste of time. It’s the ultimate illusion of control, not leadership.
What happens when we micromanage?
- Team morale tanks
- Innovation dries up
- Productivity actually drops
- Good people leave for greener, less-micromanaged pastures
Scripture Spotlight ✝️
Exodus 18:17-23 (NIV):
Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone… Select capable men from all the people… and appoint them as officials… That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.”
Reflection:
Even Moses, one of the greatest leaders in history, had to learn that effective leadership means sharing responsibility. Delegating isn’t a sign of weakness-it’s a mark of wisdom and trust. When we empower others, we lighten our own load and create space for growth, innovation, and sustainable success-for ourselves and our teams.
Podcast Reflection 🎙️
🎧 The 10 Best Productivity Apps You and Your VA Can Use to Get More Done
In this #THrowBack episode of The Entrepreneurial You, I sat down with Barbara Turley to discuss the best tools for boosting productivity and making teamwork seamless-whether you’re leading a team or working with a virtual assistant. From Asana for project management to Loom for clear communication, Hootsuite for social media, and Zapier for automation, these apps are game-changers for any leader who wants to empower their team (and avoid the micromanagement trap!).
Key takeaways:
- Use project management tools like Asana or Trello to keep everyone organized and accountable
- Embrace automation with tools like Zapier to cut down on repetitive tasks
- Leverage time tracking and communication apps to build trust and transparency
- The right tools help you delegate, collaborate, and focus on leading-not hovering
Listen to the full episode: The 10 Best Productivity Apps You and Your VA Can Use to Get More Done – The Entrepreneurial You Podcast
The Science (and Humour) Behind Micromanagement 🔬😂
Fact: 70% of employees consider leaving their jobs because of micromanagement, and 30% actually do.
Fact: Micromanagement is a recipe for burnout, disengagement, and lost innovation.
Joke: How does a micromanager change a lightbulb? By supervising it until it glows perfectly.
Joke: A micromanager’s favorite game? Whack-a-Mole-because they get to control everything that pops up.
But here’s a twist: “Micro-leadership” (not micromanagement) is about being close enough to coach, support, and remove obstacles-without taking over. It’s about setting clear expectations, being available for guidance, and letting your team own their work.
Fun Fact of the Week 🤔
According to Gallup, 50% of employees have left a job to escape their manager at some point in their career. Ouch! Turns out, “boss” is a four-letter word for a reason when micromanagement is involved.
Interactive Poll 📊
Which micromanagement trap do you fall into most often?
🔘 Struggling to delegate
🔘 Needing constant updates
🔘 Fixating on details
🔘 All of the above (help!)
👉 Vote now!
Resource of the Week 🌱
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What you can expect:
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Coaching Changes Lives: Real Stories
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Ready to Break Free and Lead Boldly?
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in the micromanagement trap and want to become a leader who empowers, trusts, and inspires, let’s work together. My coaching program will help you master delegation, build high-performing teams, and shine as the leader you’re meant to be.
👇
Book your complimentary Find Your Why coaching discovery call now!
Or reply to this newsletter. Your breakthrough starts with one conversation!
With grace and gratitude,
Heneka Watkis-Porter
Podcast Queen | Leadership Visionary Architect | Coach | Grace to Grow Mentorship Founder
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