Accountability is key to a balanced work environmentMicromanagement minimises autonomy, initiative and positive relationships and is unfortunately very prevalent in most work environments. © lightwise – 123RF.com "While the definition of micromanagement might be the control of a person or a situation by paying extreme attention to small details, it has an extremely damaging effect on the person it is happening to, and can sometimes translate as endless nagging," says Helene Vermaak, director at The Human Edge. She says that whilst most leaders are aware that it isn't the right approach, many feel as though they don't have an alternative, especially in high-risk situations and when performance is tracked. "Accountability is the key to establishing a balanced work environment, and banishing any micromanagement." Vermaak lists accountability as an important vital behaviour that spans across every sector and element of our lives. "History has shown us that successful organisations are dependent on management creating a culture where anyone can hold anyone else accountable - managers to employees, employees to managers and peers to peers." Tools availableMany struggle though to hold people accountable without micromanaging them. The Human Edge, together with international organisational performance company, VitalSmarts, has created tools that individuals and teams can learn to apply, so as to create a balanced and positive organisational culture and environment. Vermaak gives three tips as a starting point for managers and team leaders:
Vermaak says that by creating a safe and balanced environment, one in which everyone knows what is expected with no surprises, discussions will be seen as just that and not micromanaging. |