There are many reasons why a project manager suddenly starts micro managing his team. If the Project Manager does not trust a member of the team, then he/she needs to set realistic goals and provide feedback, instead of micromanagement. This can result in replacement of the non performing team member if he/she fails, depending on the nature of the project and organizational culture. Fear of the consequences of failure resulting from a valid or perceived lack of trust in their team would be the most common cause, but a desire to always be in control would be another.
Generally people love to do things in their own ways, and are reluctant to learn new and better ways. Resistance to change is human nature, along with a lack of ownership or empowerment that can result in managers spending most of their time on quality control that could be handled by the designated subject matter expert. Some people want control and have not learned to let it go and delegate more. One can learn to be a more participative manager. For example “This is your last chance, no excuses this time”, works most of the time. To know the details at micro level to take the corrective and preventive action at appropriate time. Providing exact status and plan of action to all stakeholders.
When a project manager is hired, one of the important attributes expected from him/her is someone who pays attention to the details. Top management and sponsors want to see a project managers who not only sweat the small things but follow up and follow through to ensure others on their team do what they are assigned and supposed to finish it on time. Inexperience or unsuitability to the position of Project Manager, leads to micro management. Only poorly performing resources need to be micro managed. In case of aggressive timelines with little room for slippage need tighter management – not micro management.
Many project managers unfortunately do not understand their role. Some reasons managers choose to micro manage their team are
- Insecurity
- Fear of failure
- Lack of trust
- Inexperience
- Lack of leadership qualities in general
When we talk about “detail” it is at the activity level, like cost estimates using Activity Based Costing and project management using Activity Based Management. And then the project manager double check those on his/her team. Definition of detail vary from project to project, not everyone understands the word “detail”. It can be each and every single detail about project and team members, what is to be done, how it should be done and by when. If it involves having someone “look over your shoulder” every step of the way does nothing for morale or self-confidence.
There are three categories of managers. First type of managers interact with you on a regular basis, they don’t try to tell you how to do your job, but provide the necessary support and guidance when you need it. Second type are the ones who want the work to be done in their way only, they would always guide you. The third kind involve managers who neither support you nor guide you, they would always criticize you and expect best result with no assistance. Circumstances often changes one type to other, but this is temporary and with time the micro manager turns into a good manager again.
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