Micromanagement is a term used to describe when a manager is focusing on every unnecessary detail in their businesses. While losing the ability to focus on the things that matter most. Managers can mistakenly think that trying to control everything, and sustain it, is a great practice, while it isn’t.
Micromanagement can lead to many negative impacts, including limited growth, the frustration of team members who aren’t growing their skills, and even a burnt-out manager.
In this blog, we are sharing a few tips on how to avoid micromanagement and keep yourself in line with the best management practices.
Plan your days ahead
Like any of your employees, you should be planning every day’s tasks prior to starting, to be able to work through an organized schedule.
This will give you the chance to determine what tasks should be prioritized, and what to leave out or delegate. Of course, you can do it weekly, as it just depends on the nature of your business. But planning and knowing what to focus on should be one of your consistent practices.
Do a time audit
The only way you can boost the efficiency of the time you spend as a business manager is by knowing first how you’re spending your time.
A time audit can help with this. With a simple app on your phone, you can track the time for each task through a week or more, then analyze what you’re spending your time on and what can be enhanced about it.
Translate tasks into goals
While managing your tasks, determine the priority of each, and whether it should be assigned to it or not. You should also consider the goal of each task. Putting the goal in front of your eyes will always help you make better decisions.
Imagine having to choose between two tasks on a very busy day. That would be really helpful. Making the goal clear for every task can also help you keep motivated. Then, you can follow the same practice with your employees.
Keep assignments and deadlines clear
When it comes to the team you manage, you need to make sure that it is clear who is assigned to every task and when they should be delivering it. Knowing each task’s responsible person will help you avoid much hassle and conflicts inside your team.
To manage deadlines, you need to ensure clear and continuous communication, to avoid any misunderstanding and delays that can cost you money, or even frustration of customers or clients.
Group tasks to boost productivity
Most managers have a wide range of tasks that are quite different. Grouping tasks can help reduce the time wasted shifting from one kind type to another.
Maybe you can group papers to be signed or team management meetings. It is up to you when it comes to the tasks to the group.