Micromanaging

VHMA Manager to Manager

There have been times in all of our careers where we may have felt micromanaged. It is a word that is thrown around a lot, especially when team members are asked to complete a task a certain way. But there is a difference between micromanaging and prudent oversight and through setting expectations and boundaries, we can more effectively manage a practice where everyone is on the same page.

Today’s guest is Michelle Winter. Michelle’s professional experience includes years of multiple site practice management, consulting, and speaking nationwide. Most notably, she is known for creating and managing the Patterson Veterinary University educational programs where she influenced the professional development of tens of thousands of veterinary professionals and paraprofessionals hungry for education.

Now the Director of Education and Training at Encore Vet Group, Michelle develops educational opportunities, both in-person and online, for partnering hospital team members. Professional development is the cornerstone to positive culture, and Michelle’s focus is to provide opportunities to strengthen people, teams, and practices.

Show Notes:

[3:09] - Micromanaging feels like hovering.

[4:03] - Performance shouldn’t be micromanaged, but behaviors need to align with the practice values.

[6:10] - When the stakes are high, people should be prepared for a little more oversight.

[7:54] - We tend to know when we lean towards micromanaging and have trouble letting go of control.

[10:11] - Set the expectation that team members may feel micromanaged at certain times and for certain tasks.

[12:36] - The responsibility to communicate is placed on the potential micromanager.

[14:56] - Start with a conversation that sets the expectation of checking in on tasks.

[17:20] - Michelle gives some examples of things to say to form trust and loosen the reins.

[19:11] - Some tasks don’t need much guidance, but others need quite a bit.

[22:11] - It is frustrating to be questioned about things we feel competent doing.

[23:07] - As managers, we have to become comfortable giving away the ability to make decisions. Empowerment is necessary.

[24:37] - Delegation can be hard.

Thank you for listening. Remember you are not in this alone. Visit our website for more resources.

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