To micromanage or not to micromanage: that is not the question. Rather you should ask yourself how each member of your project needs to be managed. And to answer that question, you need to be very aware of the strengths, weaknesses, and personalities of each member of your team.
Engaging with members of your team
Some people need constant attention and are only effective when they are micromanaged. They need the daily check-in with the positive (or negative) reinforcement that comes with that. Their ability to focus requires they feel aligned with you and know that they are on track with the project. They need to feel that you care about what they are doing. Are you engaged with them, with their success on the project? Regular reinforcement that you are giving will keep them motivated and driven to accomplish the tasks you have set for them.
Independent workers
Other people are driven by independent accomplishments and do not want to see you on a regular basis. They prefer to be heads down, digging into a project and getting things done. If you stop by their desk for check-in, they assume you don’t trust their ability to get the project done. In effect, they feel their competence, work ethic, or commitment to the team is in question. In some cases, they may shut down if you provide what they perceive as too much oversight. Some people will even quit the project – or the company.
How well you know your team can make all the difference
The danger for you as a project manager is that if you get it wrong – you may have a project going off the rails. Did someone need more attention than you provided? They may be way behind. Did someone find your daily chats irritating but refused to confront you about it? You might lose that key person from your team! This is why it is essential from the very beginning of the relationship to invest your political and personal capital in your team members. Find out what kind of management style they prefer and need. And align yourself to that.
Contact The Waddell Group Today
We provide strategic level project leaders for the medical device industry. Beyond essential project management skills, our highly experienced consultants know how to lead teams, manage in times of crisis, and influence change. We offer expertise, intellectual property, and proven methodology. We’ve worked with start-ups to Fortune 100 companies, no project is too big or small for us. Give us a call at 952.221.3333 and contact us!