This happened recently during a training session with Knobby. If you don’t know, Knobby is a horse that I work with every Friday at the stables not far from where I live.
He was in a playful mood that day, and I was trying to get him focused. I kept giving him repeated commands and he let me know right away that he didn’t like it.
Instead of recognizing his resistance, backing off and giving him a little space, I kept after him, repeating the commands. He wasn’t going to budge. Knobby gave me a clear message – I was micromanaging. But I didn’t get it, and I persisted. Eventually he bucked, and then he shut down.
So neither of us got what we wanted. I was thinking, “What did I do wrong?” And later, as I recounted the event I realized that this was an important lesson, a timely reminder for me, and not very different than employees in the workplace.
Sometimes, as leaders, we become accidental micromanagers. This leadership style is not only ineffective, it comes off as parental.
Being a micromanager leaves team members with only two choices:
They can either push back, like a defiant teenager, or they can shut down, like a helpless child.
So, how do you know if you’re micromanaging? It’s not as difficult as you might think. Learn from my mistake and remember to have three tips for you:
Pay attention to how you are leading, not only when things are difficult but also when they are working well.
Be observant. Notice their responses and adjust when needed.
If you’ve been micromanaging, remember, don’t be too hard on yourself. Accomplished leaders are always learning and improving.
If you’d like to talk about issues like this each month with your own personal team of peers, you may enjoy joining the next Townsend Leadership Program group that happens just south of Pittsburgh, PA. Members travel from several states to meet once a month for a full day where we dive into leadership strategies and work through struggles. Learn about the next group here: TLP Groups Pittsburgh.
