There are far fewer micromanagers than you might think.

In this episode of Management Muse, Cindi and Geoff challenge one of the most persistent myths in leadership: that holding people accountable makes you controlling. Drawing on classic leadership and expertise research, they share a simple framework that explains why most managers pull back long before they should.

Using their own pizza-making adventures as a running example, Cindi and Geoff explore how people develop competence in a role, and how managers should behave at each stage to support them. They discuss the hidden danger of ‘aloof’ management, and why generational complaints often miss the real issue.

Part 1 of a two-part series on how holding people accountable without being the villain. Tune in next week for Part 2!

Episode Highlights:

The job progression model to calibrate your leadership style
How to determine the bounds of micromanagement
Why on-the-job-training is costing you
The importance of feedback and when to give it

Watch This Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KHdhHi0Rw00

*Get your copy of The Uncertainty Playbook: 14 Strategies for Work Success in a Chaotic World here.

→ Use code PLAYBOOK20 for 20% off.

*Get Science-Backed Insights and Exclusive Perks Straight to Your Inbox:

Want to Go Deeper? Check Out Our Recommended Reading:

EBSCO, “Situational leadership theory,” https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/social-sciences-and-humanities/situational-leadership-theory
Penney, CA. “Are You a Micromanager or Too Hands-Off?” Harvard Business Review, 2 Aug. 2024, https://hbr.org/2024/08/are-you-a-micromanager-or-too-hands-off
Ericsson, K. A., Krampe, R. T., & Tesch-Römer, C. “The role of deliberate practice in the acquisition of expert performance,” Psychological Review, 1993, 100(3), 363–406. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.100.3.363

Join Our Community & Follow Us:

Ep 97 - Holding Employees Accountable Without Being the Bad Guy