30 Micromanagement Quotes and Their Explanation

Here is an article that discusses micromanagement quotes, their explanation and more.

Micromanagement can affect businesses and the performance of employees. Of course, every manager wants their team to perform at the highest level, but getting too involved is not a good idea.

Micromanagement can have negative effects on the employee’s experience. 

For businesses to flourish, micromanagement is an issue that must be tackled.

Before we list the 30 micromanagement quotes and their explanation, let’s understand what micromanagement is.

What is Micromanagement?

Micromanagement is a management method that involves the manager extensively supervising their team members and subordinates.

Micromanagement harms employees. It reduces creativity level and workforce input. This usually happens when a manager has little or no trust in their subordinates.

This can also occur when you have an inexperienced manager. Micromanagement may offer a sense of control, but the negative consequences it has on employees can be frustrating.

Also Read: 30 Motivational and Inspirational Quotes for Students

Sings of a Micromanagement in the Workforce

Look out for certain signs when you think you are becoming the manager of the year.

If you are getting too involved in the work process, then you are just micromanaging. Micromanagement also includes lacking trust in the capability of a workforce to perform excellently on their task.

Managers who are always looking out for perfection and want their team to get approval for everything they do are micromanaging.

It’s quite understandable if we want something to be in the perfect shape and state. But it’s unwise to seek perfection in everything you do as a person.

Managers who are always looking for perfection will end up creating less input from workers. Having doubts that the workers will complete the task will affect work input.

As a manager, try to avoid getting work done perfectly and quickly at the same time. It’s unwise to accept this combination, as it will have negative consequences on employees.

To enjoy the beauty of getting work done properly at the right time, allow your staff to get the time they deserve.

The perception of a micromanager is that they understand and know all there is. Their belief remains that no one can perform better than them on the job. A belief that is not true and is harmful to their employees.

Your employees deserve to get recognition if they have done an excellent job. When you focus on criticizing what your employees have done rather than developing and encouraging strength, expect less work input.

30 Micromanagement Quotes and Their Explanations

Micromanagement comes with negative consequences. It affects creativity and morale and is something managers should avoid.

Here are the micromanagement quotes and their explanations.

#1. “When you encounter certain things, Shame may Overwhelm You to Point Where Even Admitting to yourself that you’re Under Unbearable Conditions Become Hard”

Elelwani Anita Ravhuhali

People see shame as a powerful emotion that can make a person feel overwhelmed.

This is one of the micromanagement quotes that point out what shame does to people. Shame can make people decide not to admit to the truth when they are in a tight situation.

Shame can make people pretend when they know it’s difficult for them to handle a bad situation. Because of shame, people can pretend to be fine and not seek help when facing challenges.

Pretending that everything is fine and not seeking any help will make things worse. Different factors can be the cause of shame, but micromanagement is a common cause.

#2. “Generally, Looking Forward is Great Management; Looking Backward is Micromanagement”.

Verne Harnish

Austrian-American consult, Peter Drucker once said that “The most important thing in communication is hearing what is not being said”

Drucker believed that micromanagement prevents progress and it’s counterproductive. It’s important to concentrate on the future and the things that should be done.

This philosophy has influenced the business world, giving us a good reminder that the best thing to do sometimes is to let go and allow those in charge to take over.

#3. “If they mention Your Achievements, it Seems they assume it Steals the Limelight that they so Desperately Crave”

Elelwani Anita Ravihuhali

Generally, in business, there is a difference between micromanaging and providing guidelines needed for employees to succeed.

Micromanaging depicts satisfying a required standard of completing tasks. It also shows the lack of trust in employees and it’s harmful to work input.

This is one of the micromanagement quotes that describe what micromanaging is all about. It’s about the need to get attention and control rather than encouraging work strength.

Instead of micromanaging, make your expectation clear to your employees and give them the freedom they deserve to complete every task.

#4. “Invariably, Micromanaging Results in Four Problems: Deceit, Conflict, Disloyalty, and Communication Problems”

John Rosemond

Steven Covey made his argument clear that micromanagement is counterproductive and ineffective in his book First Thing First.

Covey said that micromanagement “Invariably” leads to four problems which are deceit, conflict, disloyalty, and communication problems. 

Deceit happens when an employee feels it’s better to hide information from his or her boss just to avoid criticism, while disloyalty occurs when an employee is resentful of a micromanaging boss.

Communication problem occurs when a micromanager micromanages the details rather than communicating, while conflict becomes an issue when employees have separate ideas on how a thing should be done.

#5. “Perhaps the Uproar and the Tantrum were the Realizations of the Lack of Control on the Outcome of other Team Member’s Performance, that despite her Desire Only to be the one Recognized, other Teams Leads were Comfortable Praising their Teammates”

Elelwani Anita Ravhuhali

Micromanagement can be frustrating and displeasing for employees.

The quote above explains how micromanagement is being used to describe the outburst of a team leader who was in no way getting the recognition that she deserved.

Because of this negative effect, her team members felt uncomfortable for some reasons and this caused a lack of productivity. 

Micromanagement may offer a sense of control, but the negative consequences it has on employees can be frustrating.

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#6. “We live in a World Where the Laws are getting so Tight that Management has changed to Micromanagement to Quantum-Management to Paralysis”

Jane Siberry

This is one of the micromanagement quotes that describes the plight of workers.

In today’s world, employers are creating tense working conditions for employees. Many people out there are scared that one slight mistake can get them fired.

Employees these days are afraid to make decisions or take risks, as it may cost them their job. When employees are scared to act on their own, it can lead to paralysis and that is bad for business.

#7. “Leadership is about Transforming People. It is about Recognizing your Power and Opting to use it for the greater good of Transforming People within the Team”

Elelwani Anita Ravhuhali

Although this quote is from Austrian-American consultant Peter Drucker, it’s often attributed to Steve Jobs.

Generally, micromanagers introduce a micromanagement method to their team. The managers want to be in control of the team’s work and they also want the work to be done perfectly.

Great leaders empower their team members to reach their full potential and not create uncomfortable working conditions for them.

#8. “Micromanage the Process, Not the People

Joe Apfelbaum

Micromanaging is about monitoring your employers and controlling the teams’ actions to achieve perfection. It’s harmful to the work input and every manager should avoid it.

When you micromanage, you are putting your team in a tight corner. It becomes a bit difficult to execute the task when you are always monitoring the work process.

#9. “You can’t Micromanage. People who try to do that Often Fall on their Faces. Incentivize those who Work with you so you get the Best Work you can. Every Career is a Team Effort, Even if you’re the one in Front”

Michael Franzese

A lot of people occupying leadership positions struggle with micromanaging their teams. In their pursuit to take control of every aspect of the work, they end up frustrating their employees with their micromanagement style.

Try your best to incentivize your employees to perform at the top level instead of micromanaging them. When you do this, you will create a work-friendly environment where everyone can achieve their common goal.

#10. “A Boss Micromanages is Like a Coach who wants to get in the Game. Leaders Guide, Support, and then sit back to Cheer from the Sidelines”

Simon Sinek

Getting too involved shows a lack of trust. Allowing your employees to get the freedom they deserve is the best thing to do.

Be a leader who observes from the sidelines instead of a leader who gets too involved.

#11. “The Best Executive is the one who has Sense Enough to Pick Good Men to do what he wants done, and Self-Restraint Enough to keep from Meddling with them while they do it”

Theodore Roosevelt

President Roosevelt talked about the importance of ineffective leadership and delegation in some of his famous quotes.

This is one of the micromanagement quotes that points out the negative consequences micromanaging has on employees.

Roosevelt supports the idea of selecting qualified team members to do the work. Their skills should convince you that they are qualified and that should also be enough for you not to interfere.

#12. “Micromanagement is the Destroyer of Momentum”

Miles Anthony Smith

Every manager understands why it’s important to maintain momentum. It’s what the team needs to achieve success.

Micromanagement destroys this momentum and success is hardly achieved. Employees should be in charge of the project without the manager getting too involved.

#13. “Authority-when abused Through Micromanagement, Intimidation or Verbal or Nonverbal Threats, makes People Shut Down and Productivity Ceases”

John Stoker

This quote by Dr Gary Chapman describes how micromanagement can create a negative working environment. This can decrease productivity and also lead to the feeling of insecurity and inadequacy.

Micromanagement can also lead to physical and verbal abuse if not taken care of.

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#14. “The “Result” of Micromanagement is Perhaps Tangible in the Short Run, But more Often Causes Damage for the Long Run”

Pearl Zhu

Micromanagement can create a lack of trust between the manager and the employees.

Trust is essential when it comes to leading a business to success. If an employee feels that he or she is been supervised at every instance, it may affect the job negatively.

This is harmful to the morale and creativity of employees.

#15. “Micro-managing Creativity kills it. To Encourage Creative Brilliance, Foster an Atmosphere where it can thrive and then Step Out of the Way and Let it Happen”

Stewart Strafford

Micromanagement is unhealthy for creativity. If micromanagement is introduced in the work process, innovative ideas are quick to fade out.

Allowing employees to get the freedom they deserve creates room for more innovative ideas.

#16. “Those who Like to Command and Control others are Always Scared of their Authority Being Challenged or Criticized”

Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha

This quote from Onuoha highlights micromanagement at workplaces.

When an individual in a position of authority uses that power to control and monitor the work of their subordinate, that’s micromanagement. It becomes frustrating and displeasing for employees to deal with the situation.

#17. “I’ve had enough of it Already. Shining Armour. Dawn Parades. Forced Marches. Midnight Inspections. Penalties for Sloppy Salutes, Uncombed Crest, Talking after Lights out. The Man’s Mad”

David Gemmell Legend

This is one of the micromanagement quotes that highlight the frustration of employees who felt they have been micromanaged.

No employee likes being micromanaged for any reason. They feel uncomfortable when they are micromanaged. They are adults and children that need any form of supervision.

#18. “It’s Time to get rid of the Micromanagement Style. Develop Micromanagement. It’s our Role to innovate in how we lead our Organization’s People”

Janna Cachola

Micromanagement is becoming very unpopular in today’s business world. It’s an odd management style that is unhealthy for creativity and innovation.

Business leaders should create an environment where innovation can flourish.

#19. “This much being said, don’t get Trapped into Micro allocating People’s Time. Allocating Personnel Months is Sufficient for Most Projects of Any Strategic Significance”

Rita Gunther McGrath

Micromanaging an employee’s time is unwise and managers should avoid doing it. Micromanaging can affect productivity and the employee’s morale. 

It can also lead to stress and paralysis. Give employees the freedom they deserve to complete the task.

#20. “Things Should Always be done their way, No Matter how brilliant your ideas may be”

Elelwani Anita Ravhuhali

Micromanaging is a method that must be eradicated in the work system. This quote highlights the importance of not interfering with the process regardless of how excellent your idea is.

#21. “When Managers Overdo Micromanage others, they probably hired the Wrong People or Failed to give them a Clear Idea of what each one is to accomplish. I Prefer to Train Employees to be Self-managers, just as in an Orchestra Each Performer Knows their Role without Micromanaging”

Philip Kotler

Micromanaging is harmful to businesses just as the speaker explains it. Instead of micromanaging, train your employees to become self-mangers.

It’s a win-win situation for both the manager and the employees.

#22. “Micromanaging Eroded People’s Confidence, Making them Overly Dependent on their Leaders. Well-meaning Leaders Inadvertently Sabotage their Teams by Rushing to the Rescue and Offering too much help. A Leader Must Balance Assistance with wu Wei, backing off Long enough to let People Learn From Their Mistake and Develop Competence”

Diane Dreher

Today we have business leaders who are under pressure to come up with results. This is where micromanaging becomes a problem because these business leaders need results.

Micromanaging can make employees not learn from their mistakes.

#23. “Micromanagers tell. Leaders Ask”

Jo Miller

This is one of the micromanagement quotes that highlight the difference between micromanagers and leaders.

Micromanagers want to be in charge, controlling how the work is done, while a leader sees the big picture. Leaders tend to ask questions and make decisions that suit the entire team.

#24. “It Doesn’t Make Sense to Hire Smart People and then tell them what to do. We hire Smart People, and they tell us what to do”

Steve Jobs

We can all agree that micromanagement is unhealthy for creativity. Intelligent employees with competence don’t have to be under any form of supervision.

Their experience and skills should be enough to contribute to the growth of any business.

#25. “None of us should wait to be told what to do or how to do it. Micromanagement Kills Initiative, Judgement, and Creativity”

David H. Maister

Micromanagement destroys innovative ideas and creativity. It’s also harmful to initiative, judgement, and productivity, as it discourages employees from taking risks.

Because employees are always scared to make mistakes, they will never know what it feels like to take on new challenges.

#26. “Micromanaging is Ridiculous. There’s Always a Certain Amount of Dynamic Tension, which is good because it Stimulates Creative Thinking. But what we want to look for (in city government) is a Balance where Each Body or Group of People is fulfilling their Role”

Karin Uhlich

Although micromanaging is bad, there are good micromanagers. Good micromanagers have the expertise on how to delegate tasks.

They also trust the employees to get the work done, without supervising them. Good micromanagers know when it’s appropriate to get involved and when not to.

#27. “Hire People who are better than you are, then leave them to get on with it. Look for People Who Aim for the Remarkable and not settle for the Routine”

David Ogilvy

In this quote, Richard Branson wants business owners to hire qualified and competent staff. After doing that, the employer should step back and then micromanage.

Branson believes that creativity will thrive when you allow employees to do the job without supervision. 

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#28. “Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with their ingenuity”

George S. Patton

This is a famous quote by General George S. Patton.

When a leader decides to micromanage, he or she is denying the employees the opportunity to solve problems. If the employees don’t try to solve problems, they will not develop new experiences or skills.

#29. “Focus on a few Key Objectives. I only have three things to do. I have to choose the right people, Allocate the Right Number of Dollars, and Transmit Ideas from One Division to Another with the Speed of Light. So I’m really in the Business of Being the Gatekeeper and the Transmitter of Ideas”

Jack Welsh

In this quote, Welsh highlights the responsibility of micromanaging a few objectives. The leader can manage a company effectively by concentrating only on a few objectives.

#30. “The Leader’s Job is to Lead and Protect

The leader is responsible for providing appropriate guidelines and directives. This quote highlights the importance of playing the role of a leader in leading and protecting.

Leaders are tasked with creating a work environment where employees will feel they are not over-supervised.

Conclusion

Micromanaging is unhealthy for the creativity of employees and innovation. Leaders believe in allowing employees to get the freedom they deserve. Good micromanaging is not toxic for employees.

We hope his article on Micromanagement Quotes was helpful.

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