Micromanagement as a productivity killer: three reasons to give subordinates more freedom

Too many managers mistakenly believe the best way to achieve maximum productivity and efficiency in their subordinates is micromanagement and having full control over what they do. But this system does not take into account the specifics of individual employees or their motivation to do the job "their own way"; therefore, it does not work. The way to greater work efficiency is not more precise instructions and rules, but rather increased powers for the rank and file.

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Ability to use preferred tools and solutions

As the Harvard Business Review states, broader powers granted to employees is a way of ensuring they are able proactively to address their needs and demands without being bound by what their manager dictates. We all have a certain subjective perception of situations we find ourselves in, so overly authoritarian managers issue instructions based on how they themselves see things. This leaves no room for subordinates to resolve matters using tools that closely match their own approach and personality. But if employees are empowered, they can make their own decisions  and find solutions that best suit them.

Greater flexibility

According to an old saying, if you catch a fish for someone, you feed them for a day; if you teach them to fish, you feed them for a lifetime. Managers who try to micromanage subordinates will have to keep establishing ever more new rules and procedures for each case employees encounter. It is far more effective and meaningful to set up a general framework of rules and teach the rank and file how to work within it so they can figure out for themselves what to do and what the company's expectations and priorities say they should achieve in specific situations.

Building mutual trust

Of course, the above systems require a certain amount of trust between management and employees. This is because part of the responsibility is transferred from managers to individual employees. Not everyone wants extra responsibility, so it is always necessary to consult employees individually to ensure they understand what this would mean for them and are willing to accept such responsibility for their actions and any mistakes.



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Article source Harvard Business Review - flagship magazine of Harvard Business School
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