W W W . N R P A . O R G | J A N
U A R Y 2 0 1 4 | Parks & Recreation
If you’ve followed along with Part One and Part Two of this
mini-series,
then you understand the difference between effective, directive management and
true, debilitating micromanagement. If you’ve been under the thumb of a
micromanager, then you now have a solid 7-step action plan to neutralize those
micromanaging ways by managing up.
But what if the problem is you? If you’re reading this
article because it’s been torn out and slipped under your office door, resist
the urge to crumple and toss it. You may not be a true micromanager (refer back
to Part One), but some minor adjustments may ease the misplaced perception of
this lone, desperate employee who is simply eager to have a better, more productive
relationship with you. So while your employee works on his or her skills to
manage up, perhaps you could refresh your skills to manage right.
Managing Right
There’s a fading sign on my office door that says “Encourage,
Empower, Expect.” It’s one of my favorite management mantras because it’s simple
yet on target. To be complete, however, it needs three more Es— Engage, Equip
and Entrust. Although our emphasis is on replacing those micromanaging
practices with more effective ones, these six Es are an easy way for any
manager to remember the basics of effective management.
