One of the defining qualities of a good manager is a willingness to dig into the details. Effective managers choose to engage differently with different kinds of details. In other words, they are selective micromanagers.
Micromanagement is simply the consequence of a desire to engage with selective details. Sure, some leaders struggle with prioritizing and building trust, even over unimportant details. But it never goes away. It’s part of the package. Some are great micromanagers and some are poor micromanagers.
Working for a micromanager has its challenges; but, often, it’s a blessing in disguise. Be aware of the details your manager cares about. Expect to be micromanaged—but, as part of the process, expect to learn a lot. Selective micromanagers tend to be better at developing talent. Their intimate knowledge of the business and their deep involvement can enable you to learn important information about the business.
Idea for Impact: Think of “micromanagement” as simply an excess of attention that you must manage. It’s a good sign that your boss is interested in your work—it means she cares enough.
But if you are being singled out for micromanagement, it’s time for you to look inward. The degree of micromanagement is inversely proposal to a manager’s trust in your competence. In the fullness of time, if micromanagement doesn’t, consider if your work is of lower quality or quantity without your boss’s watchful eye. Improve how you’re converting your manager’s feedback into learning.