The Need To Pay Attention To Details

After more than three decades working in, and advising not-for-profit organizations, perhaps the most frustrating and irritating comment, and to me, the most irrational at times, is when I hear individuals in leadership positions either accusing others of micromanaging, or saying that they do not wish to micromanage.

I want to state, in no uncertain terms, that, in the vast majority of cases, these individuals do not even understand either proper management, basic organizational leadership, or what micromanaging really is. To me, it is only micromanaging if a leader takes a disproportionate time reviewing irrelevant minutia, that he can be certain that someone else can handle properly and/ or adequately. However, the major challenge is generally locating someone who a leader can be certain will actually perform the "job" properly. Because many of these "minor" details becoming "building blocks" for an important objective, improper handling of these details often can derail the "bigger picture."

Obviously, a good and effective leader does not get bogged down in minor details. Yet, the most effective leaders agree with Harry Truman's "The buck stops here," philosophy of leadership. I have become convinced that many inadequate leaders use the term "micromanage" and enjoy delegating to others, simply to cover themselves, and to have the ability to say that someone else was responsible for this.

I have also come to believe that it probably is not these "leaders" fault. Most organizations do not correctly identify or qualify potential leaders. They then often claim to have a leadership training program, yet the programs almost invariably are inconsistent from year to year, and are often more rhetoric and cliche, than leadership technique oriented.

I have met very few "born leaders." I am proud to say I have had the opportunity to train and develop numerous individuals who went on to be terrific and effective leaders.