Progress Principle: Post #14--Check in, not up

Checking in, not checking up: Leaders sho

uld set goals and monitor them but not micromanage people. Some traits of micromanagers include: failing to allow autonomy; asking about the work but never giving help; fixing blame on employees but not sharing info about their own work. Micromanagement is a toxin that poisons inner work life and stops creativity and innovation dead. Virtuous cycles start when positive inner work life is nourished. Conversely, vicious cycles result from inhibitors and a toxic climate. “Managers can’t help but influence subordinates’ inner work lives; the only question is how.”