The biggest reason micromanagement does not work is that it erodes trust and autonomy within the workplace.
When managers fail to trust their employees and instead hover over every task, it creates a toxic environment where employees feel undervalued and disempowered.
This lack of trust demotivates employees and stifles their creativity and innovation, as they feel they cannot take risks or think independently.
Trust is a foundational element in any productive work environment.
With it, employees are more likely to take initiative or feel confident in their roles.
This lack of confidence can lead to a cycle of dependency, where employees become overly reliant on their managers for direction and approval, further straining the manager’s time and resources.
Ultimately, the erosion of trust and autonomy caused by micromanagement leads to lower morale, decreased productivity, and higher turnover rates as employees seek workplaces where they are trusted and empowered to use their skills and judgment effectively.