Is micromanagement a result of increasing technology or human nature?

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey — Wed, 13 May 2015 07:41:38 -0400

is technology increasing the likelihood of micromanagement? If so, what checks does a leader need to utilize to prevent this?

http://www.duffelblog.com/2015/05/new-battle-command-network-offers-unprecedented-micromanagement/

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 7:52 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 07:52:47 -0400

In my opinion it is caused by excessive ego.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:21 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:21:11 -0400

CH Bailey...read Outliers by Malcom Gladwell regarding how micromanagement leads to toxic orgs. In my experience, micromanagement is the result of insecure people with disproportionate needs for "control". Ironically, such people also tend to have less self control, and therefore focus too much time and energy on controlling others as a way to stabilize themselves. They also tend to require too many "meetings" and "briefings" rather than manage by walking around --the mountain must come to Mecca. The domino effects are adverse, because they affect morale and productivity. I have a presentation on Innovators, Caretakers, and Undertakers that covers this topic.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:32 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 08:32:20 -0400

Ok. Duffel blog is fake. It is satire. I am not too concerned about this.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 13 at 2015 10:24 AM

PO1 John Miller — Wed, 13 May 2015 10:24:03 -0400

Well, CH (COL) Geoff Bailey DID post this in humor, so I'm sure he understands what the Duffel Blog is all about!

With that said, definitely human nature. Increasing technology I believe actually results in less micromanagement. I work in IT, and the higher ups usually only have a basic understanding of what I do, so they generally leave me alone for the most part. As long as I'm doing my job and keeping the customer satisfied, so are they.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 12:43 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 12:43:52 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, Even though it is satire, usually there is always some truth and in this case I would say technology could promote micromanagement.

The Small Wars Journal posted an article here on RallyPoint that discusses this topic to an extent.

The Professional Military Network | RallyPoint

Find service members and veterans like you, discuss military life, and share professional opportunities on the largest military network.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:47 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 20:47:55 -0400

I think micromanagement is a symptom of the Zero Defects mentality and risk averse culture we've adopted. Leaders get so concerned about maintaining their careers they lose sight of what their role actually is.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2016 10:40 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 22:40:11 -0500

I think it stems from zero-defect mentality. Promotion is highly competitive so seniors that delegate tasks have an understandable concern that any one mistake will not be tolerated and may adversely impact their career, so they have to supervise almost in excess to survive. In an ideal situation the guy in the middle develops confidence in subordinates that they delegate to, provided their senior has more tolerance for minor mistakes. Once everyone in this chain gains confidence with those above and below them the level of supervision ideally balances out. Until that is achieved, the level of supervision remains high. It can be tricky but it often stems from seniors expecting and allowing juniors to make small mistakes and learn from them. If someone works for a senior that is intolerant to the learning curve then it rolls downhill accordingly due to the human nature of survival.