You know them. May be you once worked for one of them. Or you are just one of them. Micro managers. They keep an eye on you, on everyone. They are more than managers. They are self-made spies. They have turned their organization into spy networks. They have tracking systems on your computer to make sure you are using your time efficiently. They track your browsing history. You are even scared of using the restroom because you fear they might think you are wasting company time. They are the self-made CIA, FBI, KGB, Scotland Yard and Mossads of their respective companies. They are called micro managers. You should be so very scared of them. They will squeeze the life out of you.

How do micro managers behave? They second-guess everything you do. They doubt. They call you on weekends to remind you about that Monday morning project. They sound like your mother. Your mother. Not mine. Mine was hands-off. I know I didn’t turn out right but that’s not her fault. Yes, micro managers. They make you feel like you are still ten years old and being yelled at to eat your vegetables. The thing about micromanaging is that you are always worried about what your employees are doing. You carry the burden of the whole company. You would be better off not hiring anyone in the first place.

Here is why you should think twice before you micromanage.

• Micromanagement kills innovation. And you can’t afford to live without innovation.
• Micromanagement kills independence. Now, I don’t think you want a bunch of robots working for your company. You want people. Independent employees who will make a contribution to your company.
• Micromanagement is expensive. When employees are micromanaged, their contribution goes down. You may argue that every time you keep an eye on your employees their productivity goes up. You have to remember that it takes time to keep an eye. The increase in productivity basically pays for your supervision time. The return on that eye-kind of investment is zero. Sometimes a negative.

Today remember to tell your employees that you trust them. Allow them to be human. Give them freedom to innovate and create. You will be surprised how much they will grow and how better your company will become.  In a nutshell, stop spying and start leading.