Macro-Management: A Millennial’s Dream Scenario At Work
You hear about micromanaging all the time, but have you ever experienced macro-managing?
Micro means “small or basic” as to caring/controlling every little detail.
Macro refers to “big picture” which allows the person to arrive their own way.
Not to be confused with laissez-faire, macro-management is about equipping then empowering the individual.
No one likes to be micromanaged, but unfortunately given the opportunity to lead others you’ve probably fallen guilty to it at least once.
With the landscape of the workplace changing to a more freelance, remote driven economy it’s time to adjust leadership standards.
If no one appreciates being micromanaged how come it’s so rampant?
Management starts internally with a mindset and externalizes through behavior. The central theme is: trust.
Do you trust your teammates will complete the work both on time and provide great quality?
The answer to that question will precede your management style.
No matter which management style you choose (normally it’s a hybrid of the two), providing clear objectives, quality control and frequent communication is a pre-cursor to successful leadership.
But what most managers fear is giving too much autonomy will result in poor results. This can be true, but it really goes back to setting the ground rules up front first.
Macro-management can thrive is this scenario, but ultimately it’s best to empathize as a leader in order to be most effective.
Not just Millennials will appreciate macro-management, but all generations will become more loyal to companies when trust is given.
Macro-managing is harder than micromanaging because there’s more unknown, but if you’ve hired then trained the right people it will become less stressful for the manager and more rewarding for the employee.
It does take a unique company culture to embrace macro-management so when you identify an organization that employs this style stay close!
Scott Asai is a serial entrepreneur who develops Millennials and helps students with SAT tips. To hear more of his thoughts on educating teens visit his site here.
