Aware of Your Management Style?
Cathie Leimbach • July 8, 2020
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A former staff recruiter for small family businesses described the paradox of business owners’ management practices well.
Hands-on business owners often micromanage their staff. Multiple times each day they give very specific directions to their employees about their next task, even once they are experienced and competent with their regular work. The owner makes all the decisions without discussing with staff so they aren't equipped to work independently.
However, when the small business owner goes on vacation, he announces his travel plans to his staff a couple of days before he leaves. He shares no special information with his staff. He seems to believe they have been working for him long enough that they know how to run the business.
But then, when the owner returns to work, he is frustrated that the employees didn’t handle day-to-day irregularities the way he would have. And, of course, now that he is back on the job, they are receiving detailed instructions for routine work.
If you can trust your employees to keep the business going while you are away, is it really a good use of your time, or motivating for them, when you micromanage them?
If you don’t involve your employees in discussions about workplace situations that arise from time to time, how can you expect them to make decisions that align with your preferences?
Does your management style assume that staff aren’t competent to complete their regular work without daily instructions? Or, do you expect that they will magically have strong problem-solving skills when you aren’t there? Maybe you can relate with both scenarios.
What can you do to show that you trust your competent employees and equip them to handle unexpected situations?
When you adjust your management style, you will have more time to manage the business and they will have increased job satisfaction, resulting in higher productivity. And then, you will reap a stronger bottom line.
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence. May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending? 👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.