Micromanagement - Sudden Death for Office Morale

Bad office management can seriously affect employee morale and decrease productivity. I don't know anyone who likes to be micromanaged. As a manager you are responsible for productivity so it's time to step up to the plate and own up to some of your own shortcomings. If you recognize your own shortcomings and address them you will have a happier and more productive workforce.

Of course you need to take out situations where employees are walking all over you and abusing the system, if you have a few problem employees, don't punish the whole office, counsel the employee(s) who need more direction and supervision. In every office there is always someone who will test the limits, I am not talking about those employees in this article, I am talking about your personal management style.

Let's use Donny as an example. Donny micromanages the office but see's himself as a martyr. He even states all the time that he's not a micromanager because he knows how bad it is; all the while his staff is rolling their eyes. If you make your staff leave a sticky note every time they leave their desk, even if it just to the copier, or bathroom, News Flash, that's micromanagement.

You need to build a trust with your employees, when you treat them like children, they will act like children. Let your staff know what you expect of them, and let them do their job. It is so disenchanting to have a manager who is in your face every second; you can get your work done more accurately and quickly without constant interruptions from your manager. Your employees may loose respect for you and your management abilities. You want Empowered employees, who feel valuable instead of babysat.

If your employees aren't running wild give them some space. You have a phenomenal asset at your fingertips; employees often come up with creative and innovative ideas. Such as ways to enhance productivity, a new way of doing a specific task etc... When you bear down on them so much it is hard to get the creative juices flowing. And if you are in their face that much during the day, what in the world makes you think they would want to approach you with an idea?

Micromanagement kills morale, it does not make your staff more productive, however, it may make them much more resentful. Happy employees are productive employees. You don't need to run your office like a prison to get results. If you want to retain the staff you spend so much money on training, treat them with respect and like the capable adults they are.