Are you one of those irritating micromanagers?

I despise micromanagers. They are the bosses who want to be in control of literally everything. Instead of focusing on the output, they put their noses into the process of how things get done. They dictate the font size or document margins of your report.They look for you when you’re missing at your desk if it’s not lunch time. They think that there's only one way of doing a task: their way. I wish there was a clinic where we can send all micromanagers in the world so they can be "cured" of this corporate disease.

I had bosses like them in my past careers, and yes, it was the very reason why I looked for greener pastures. Remember, employees leave bosses, not companies.

Why is it so hard to get along with a micromanager? My personal take is that it goes against a very critical human nature: autonomy. We all desire to become masters of our own will and destiny. We feel more safe when we gain control of an unpredictable situation. We feel inspired in our job whenever we become a hero to a project’s success. We want recognition that we did something on our own BECAUSE we're good enough. Conversely, we get disengaged when we’re treated like robots. I hate doing tasks just because I’m told to do it (especially when no one explains to me WHY should I do it in the first place). And I feel hurt by my boss when he doesn’t value my inputs or opinions in times of decision making. My heart gets crushed when my boss skips me.

Are you a micromanager? Here's an insightful article from the Harvard Business Review which helps you diagnose through the following questions. If you are one of “them”, finish the reading and it ends with recommendations on how you can improve yourself from too much micromanagement. Focus on the output, not the style of work, and you'll see the difference with how your people treat you!

1. You’re never quite satisfied with deliverables.

2. You often feel frustrated because you would’ve gone about the task differently.

3. You laser in on the details and take great pride and /or pain in making corrections.

4. You constantly want to know where all your team members are and what they’re working on.

5. You ask for frequent updates on where things stand.

6. You prefer to be cc’d on emails.

Hope you don't get micromanaged, or that you don't micromanage your people! Have a great work week ahead!

Photo Credit: www.rappler.com

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JONATHAN YABUT is the winner of the hit Asian reality TV show, The Apprentice Asia, and directly reported to Tony Fernandes as Chief of Staff of AirAsia.

He is based today in Kuala Lumpur as the Managing Director of his management consultancy firm, The JY Consultancy & Ventures, which offers digital marketing and talent optimization services to Asia's startups and corporations. Jonathan is Asia’s leading motivational speaker on topics involving leadership, talent development of Gen Y workers, and career management for Fortune 500 companies. In 2015, he debuted his best-selling motivational book in Asia, "From Grit to Great", and recently launched his second book, "Fast Forward", which is available in all bookstores in Asia. For speakership and media inquiries, contact [email protected] or visit his website www.jonathanyabut.com.