Question

Although most people don't like micromanagement, when is it an appropriate time for a manager to micromanage their team? Or is there never a time? Please explain your response.

Answer 1

Although, it is correct that people don't like micromanagement and generally effective leaders don't micromanage, there are times and situations when one has to resort to micromanagement of the team. Micromanagement is appropriate when there are business critical and time-sensitive projects where your team may or may not get the importance of the situation. Micromanagement is also appropriate when there is a crisis situation which could threaten the goodwill or the existence of the company.

For example - You are the CFO of the company and the investors request for a detailed financial report overnight before making a funding decision. You can ask your team to work on the numbers and tell them the criticality, however, it is essential to check on the team at regular intervals and check on the progress. If the report is not delivered on time, investors may pull the plug on funding. This is a critical situation and no matter how effective your team is, it is important to keep a tab on things and make sure you are on top of the situation.