“But if I don’t stay on top of everything, how do I know it’ll get done?”
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many leaders fall into the trap of thinking that tighter control equals better outcomes. But here’s the myth we’re busting today: micromanagement gets better results. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t.
Treat Adults Like Adults
Micromanagement often stems from a lack of trust. But if you’ve hired well, you’ve brought on capable, responsible adults. So why manage them like children? One of the first leadership lessons I learned was from a book called Maverick. It reminded me that people want ownership—they thrive on accountability. Instead of hovering, empower your team to make decisions, take initiative, and own their space.
Speed, or Lack Thereof
A micromanaged team is a slow team. Why? Because decisions bottleneck at the top. I once coached a leader who was constantly fielding calls from his team for simple decisions. He answered every time. And that was the problem—they expected him to. Empowering your team to think and act independently doesn’t just free you up, it speeds everything up.
Innovation Can’t Breathe Under a Microscope
If everything has to go through you, guess what? Innovation grinds to a halt. Micromanagement creates fear—fear of failure, fear of stepping outside the lines. Want creativity and problem-solving? Step back. Give your team space to experiment and learn.
So, What’s the Alternative?
Set clear expectations. Build trust. Encourage feedback loops. Create a culture where your team doesn’t just work—they lead. And here’s the dream: You step away, and the business thrives without you.
Micromanagement isn’t leadership. It’s a limitation. Let go, and watch your team grow.
— Jono Brake, The Forged Leader
About Monday Myth Check
Monday Myth Check is a weekly dose of reality where Jono Brake holds up commonly held leadership beliefs and asks the question “What if this was not true”. You can find the weekly videos and other posts by following Jono Brake on LinkedIn or following The Forged Leader, as well as on Youtube @jonobrake.
Take Action: Join The Forged Mentor Community
Did you know that most leaders feel like they have to figure their journey out alone? Having a mentor and coach in your corner who understands your journey aspirations and challenges are invaluable for your personal and professional growth. You can continue this conversation inside The Forged Mentor, our monthly mentoring program for business owners and leaders. It’s free to connect with more interactive programs starting from $199 per month – you will join a community of like minded leaders and receive great content, advice and community, so you don’t have to do this journey alone.
