What I Have Learned From My Style Of Leadership

Leadership styles vary as much as the people who practice them. As a macromanager, I have embraced a leadership style that gives employees the space to breathe, innovate, and grow. In my experience, macromanagement allows teams to develop a sense of ownership and autonomy, which leads to increased creativity and problem-solving. However, like any management style, macromanagement comes with its own set of challenges. The key to successful leadership, regardless of the style, is to be aware of these potential pitfalls and actively work to solve for them.

Macromanagement involves taking a step back and allowing team members the space to operate with autonomy. Instead of micromanaging the day-to-day details, I trust my team to manage their own tasks while I maintain focus on overall strategy and long-term goals. It’s a style built on trust, empowerment, and the belief that people do their best work when they have room to make decisions and take ownership of their projects.

The Pros of Macromanagement

1. Empowerment of Team Members: Macromanagement encourages employees to take ownership of their work. By giving them space, they develop confidence in their abilities, which leads to higher levels of engagement and creativity. In my experience, this has often resulted in innovative solutions that may not have emerged under a more controlled environment.
2. Focus on Strategy: As a macromanager, I can concentrate on the larger goals and vision of the organization. This allows me to spot opportunities, guide the team toward growth, and manage challenges with a broad perspective. It’s a great way to ensure that the company stays on course while still allowing individuals to contribute in their own way.
3. Development of Leadership Skills: By delegating decision-making and responsibilities to my team, I encourage them to step into leadership roles within their own spheres of influence. This not only helps them grow but also strengthens the entire organization by fostering a culture of accountability.

The Cons of Macromanagement

1. Lack of Clarity: One of the potential downsides of macromanagement is that team members may feel unclear about their responsibilities if not given proper guidance upfront. Without regular check-ins, there’s a risk that they could veer off course, resulting in miscommunication or unmet expectations.
2. Missed Opportunities for Mentorship: Macromanagement can sometimes lead to a lack of direct coaching or mentoring. By stepping back too far, leaders might miss the chance to help employees develop key skills or correct course in a timely manner.
3. Potential for Underperformance: Not all team members thrive in an autonomous environment. Some may struggle without clear, consistent direction, which could lead to underperformance. This can also create a disconnect if leaders aren’t aware of individual needs or workload challenges.

Solving for the Downfalls

At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to management. Whether you lean toward macromanagement like I do or prefer a more hands-on style, what’s important is awareness. Know the strengths and weaknesses of your approach, and be prepared to solve for the potential challenges. When you lead with self-awareness and flexibility, any management style can be effective—and, ultimately, it’s about creating an environment where your team can thrive.

For me, macromanagement has been a powerful tool in building trust and fostering creativity, but it works best when complemented by clear communication and an openness to adapt based on the needs of the moment. After all, successful leadership isn’t about the style you choose—it’s about how well you understand and apply it. I am sure there are many who would disagree with me though.