This article was based on the interview with Jack Skeels of AgencyAgile by Greg Kihlström, Marketing Technology keynote speaker for The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Listen to the original episode here:
Micromanagement, as many of us are all too familiar, is a management style where a manager closely observes or controls the work of their employees. This can lead to a lack of trust, decreased morale, and hindered productivity within a team. On the other hand, empowering teams involves giving them the autonomy and trust to make decisions and take ownership of their work. This approach can lead to increased motivation, creativity, and overall success for the organization.
Jack Skeels shared his personal experience of transitioning from a programmer to a project manager and how he adopted a more hands-off approach to management. He realized that by giving his team members the freedom to do their work without constant interference, they were able to thrive and achieve better results. This concept of “lazy management,” as he called it, allowed him to focus on higher-level tasks and trust his team to handle the day-to-day operations.
The idea of unmanaging, as discussed in the podcast, is about managing less and managing better. It involves creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and empowerment within an organization. By empowering teams to make decisions, take risks, and learn from their mistakes, leaders can foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
In today’s fast-paced and complex work environments, where agility and adaptability are key to success, micromanagement can be detrimental. It stifles creativity, hinders problem-solving, and limits the potential of employees. On the other hand, empowering teams allows them to be more autonomous, proactive, and engaged in their work.
The podcast episode highlighted the importance of empowering teams rather than micromanaging them. By adopting a more hands-off approach to management, leaders can create a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation within their organizations. Empowered teams are more motivated, productive, and successful in achieving their goals. As Jack Skeels emphasized, “Unmanaged teams are happy teams.”
