How to Avoid Micromanaging Your Colleagues, Peers, Ensemble Members

No one likes being micromanaged.  You know the feeling – someone you are working with, or working for, tells you how to do everything, checks in frequently, reminds you of things that don’t need reminding, etc.  This can quickly lead to frustration and resentment – two things that you don’t want your colleagues, peers, or ensemble members to feel.  Here are three tips to avoid micromanaging your team:

Work with Great People – The first step to not micromanaging people is finding people who will be great – who won’t need constant reminders and hand holding. If you are in a position where you can choose who you work with and who you delegate to (ensemble members, people you hire, contractors who do work for you or your organization) look for partners that do great work and are easy to work with.

Build Trust With Them – This is a two way street and you have to earn their trust as well.  Do what you say you will do. Follow through.  And trust them – trust that they can judge the quality of their work, deliver on time, and meet your objectives.

Give Them a Chance – You have to give people a chance to do good work. You may be tempted at times to do things yourself since you know exactly how you want it. But you need to give your teammates a chance to contribute, learn, and do good work.  Give them space, and then after the task is done, or after working together for some time, evaluate how both sides can make sure things get done efficiently and at a high level.