Are you a Leader or a Micro-Manager? It’s a Fine Line

Over the last two decades, I’ve learned a lot about leadership, and there is one lesson in particular that has been invaluable to me: It’s important to be there for your team when they need you, but you also have to know when to step back and let them take the lead.

How do you strike the right balance? It takes practice, but if you do it correctly, your team will thrive, and you’ll be more free to focus on the big picture. Here are a few tips:

1. 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢. Take the time to get to know each member of your team and what their strengths are. This will help you know when to step in and when to let them take the lead.

2. 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙡𝙮. Communication is key in any leadership role. Make sure you’re communicating with your team regularly and openly about what you expect from them and what they can expect from you.

3. 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙢. If you’ve taken the time to get to know your team and you’re communicating openly, you should be able to take one step back and trust them to do their jobs. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be involved, but it does mean you shouldn’t micromanage.

4. 𝙂𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙙𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠. Both positive and negative feedback is important. If something isn’t working, let your team know and provide mentorship so they can fix it. And when they do something well, be sure to let them know that too!

5. 𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙩. Your team should feel like they’re a part of your success, not that you’re taking all the credit. Make sure you’re sharing the spotlight and giving generous credit where it’s due.

Striking the right balance between being there for your team and giving them space to work can be difficult, but rewarding. By following these tips, you can learn to master the balance and be the leader your team needs.