I’ve never met anyone who likes to be micromanaged.
Unfortunately I’ve observed many church staff teams who confuse micromanagement and accountability. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard a young church staff member express frustration and cry out about the injustice of being micromanaged when their supervisor was simply holding them accountable for basic results. On the other hand, I’ve seen church staff members micromanage other staff and even volunteers while claiming that they were just trying to hold people accountable to results and outcomes.
Micromanagement Focuses on the Process
Micromanagement usually cares more about doing things the right way rather than doing the right things.
Accountability Focuses on the Outcome
Accountability is zeroed in on the outcomes we are producing and holding team members accountable to clear measurable results.
Micromanagement Says “Check with Me First”
Micromanagers feel the need to have their hands on the wheel at all times. Before any decision can be made it has to come back to their desk.
Accountability Says “Figure It Out”
Accountability is fine with not only delegating tasks to team members but empowering them and trusting them to figure out solutions and make good decisions.
Micromanagement Thinks the Worst
Micromanagers don’t think anyone can do it as well as they can and that their way is not only the right way, but the only way.
Accountability Thinks the Best
Accountability believes the best in people and clarifies when things are a bit confusing or feel “off.”
Micromanagement Produces Frustration
Micromanagers live in a perpetual state of frustration, with everything. And worse they create frustration in their team members.
Accountability Produces Results
High accountability to results produces…you guessed it…results! And usually good ones.
One Comment
I work for a church in Florida and have been SUFFERING under a micromanager (based on the descriptions/info in this post) for some time. The distinctions you make here clarify what has been confusing for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!