“A boss who micromanages is like a coach who wants to get in the game”. – Simon Sinek

As Food Shelter continues to grow daily, we are learning as leaders that in many cases the above quote may be true and drive employees nuts (we were driven once too so we know), there are times when it’s necessary. Much like everything, anything in moderation can encourage happiness, clarity and productivity – all of which directly affect the big picture they may or may not be privy – just look at this recent Inquirer piece on micro-dosing for proof.

The following are three instances (as it pertains to our firm, but we think there’s a universal mindset) where micromanaging isn’t the four-letter word one wants to use when frequently being micromanaged.

Your business is in a constant state of evolving

Our agency has survived numerous challenges and risen to many triumphs. We are not even remotely who we were a year ago versus who we will be tomorrow. The double-edged sword of working in a smaller, growing agency can be as equally frustrating as it is exhilarating. When boundaries and parameters change quickly based on nimbleness and flexibility, it can create a lot of questions and potential strife that could be avoided with a certain type of management style while that growth and those changes are occurring. Individual check-in’s, weekly team meetings, constant monitoring of time and tasks may seem like overkill, but it is one of the few ways employees can express overall job satisfaction while the agency embraces new technologies, hiring interns, shifting roles with client loads, etc. Also, as the micromanager(s) it is the only way we can identify a problem that needs addressing by paying attention to all the details at all times.

Deadlines are being missed or results could be improved on

We rely heavily on providing clients with monthly status reports. They expect certain results the same way we as business owners expect our employees to ensure they happen within the protocols we have worked to create. If you aren’t working in the trenches at some level with your team, if you aren’t as hands-on as you should be, if the lines of communication aren’t open then there is no awareness KPIs are even happening much less up to snuff. While constantly asking questions or checking deadline dates may seem oppressive, the only way to pinpoint the problem much less address them is to talk about it and provide constant back and forths.  

The corporate culture’s success hinges on collaboration and creativity

Everyone has their own work style and in a small office, big personalities and tons of chiming can work for and against employee harmony and productive workflow. This is an industry that thrives on creative ideas and quirky observations. We can all learn from each other no matter what our title, age, experience level. It was the cornerstone we started this agency on and no matter how much it changes this will always be the constant. It’s a tough office to work in, but hopefully an inspiring one.