The Experts

Don't micromanage

I have a reasonably successful business and capable staff, but I find I am forever having to get in and do the work myself to be sure it’s done properly. I want the business to grow, but growth seems painfully slow.

First of all you need to get out of your own way. It sounds to me as if you are spending too much time micromanaging and doing the technical work of the business.

Didn’t you employ others to do that? You can help them by developing and then implementing those processes as well as the process that will help you all track the results.

Do this right and you will also be able to catch problems as they emerge, rather than when they have become entrenched and are therefore much tougher to eliminate.

Micromanaging has the effect of retarding or holding back growth. It also sends a message to your managers that you lack confidence in them.

Take a look at the strengths in your senior staff. They are almost certainly being under-utilised and probably aching for more responsibility and a chance to demonstrate that they can take the stretch.

If you don’t give them the responsibility they are wanting, they will go somewhere else where their skills are more appreciated – and you will be left doing all the technical work, which is what they think you want.

Work with them to develop the processes that will achieve the desired results. Talk to them about the tracked results. And get out of their way.

As long as you are there doing the work you employed others to do, you are not doing the work they need you to do.

Your role is to define the bigger picture and develop the strategies the business needs in order to grow.

Published: Monday, January 17, 2011