Rakhi (to daughter): Is that the dress you picked for tomorrows function? Not very impressive. Come, Ill pick one for you.
Ajay: Our girls are growing up Rakhi. You should give them a little more autonomy and respect their choices.
Rakhi: But Im their mom and I know whats best for them.
Ajay: You are a wonderful mother. But micromanaging is a controlling behaviour which is counter productive.
Rakhi: How so?
Ajay: Because you convert your children into individuals who are not capable of making decisions for themselves in the future. The same is applicable in organisations too. Among several business leaders and team managers I have seen the tendency to control every aspect of the employees functioning.
Rakhi: Hmm I understand. From the employees point of view that would mean a lack of faith in his work, which would affect his motivation to work itself.
Ajay: Exactly. To micromanage is to question his competence and deny his autonomy. This could render the employee aloof, affecting his productivity and leading to increased employee attrition at a larger level.
Rakhi: Im happy that you pointed it out when I was beginning to micromanage.
Ajay: Im not above flaws either. Micromanaging gives us the illusion of power which is what most humans seek. Besides, we all have multiple insecurities, emotional complexities and challenges in the family as well as at the workplace, from which this kind of behaviour stems.
Rakhi: I guess the key then is to be conscious always.
Ajay: Yes. Educating yourself about human nature and what kind of strategies work best would be helpful. It would also be good to get feedback from others on how you treat them or the areas in which you can improve. Be it family or workplace, you get the best results when you make everybody feel belonged and part of one wonderful team.