Management Tip of the Day: Give Employees Freedom, Within Limits

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 Give Employees Freedom, Within Limits All managers need to decide how much latitude to give their employees. On one hand, micromanagement is demeaning and frustrating to capable employees. On the other, your job as a supervisor is to give your direct reports the support they need. To determine if you're giving employees enough latitude, ask them what decisions they feel they could make, but are not allowed to. Then, remove what impedes their ability to make those decisions, if appropriate. Make sure to communicate the boundaries. Clearly define what employees can and cannot do, or identify a core set of required standards. As long as those standards are met, people can have freedom to do what it takes to do their jobs. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the Harvard ManageMentor Online Module: Customer Focus. Buy the course and learn more about improving customer satisfaction » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT 11 Rules for Creating Value in the Social Era HBR Press Social strategist and insightful blogger Nilofer Merchant argues that "social" is much more than "media." Smart companies are letting social become the backbone of their business models, increasing their speed and flexibility by pursuing openness and fluidity. These organizations don't operate like the powerful "800-pound gorillas" of yesteryear—but instead act more like a herd of 800 gazelles, moving together across a savannah, outrunning the competition. This ebook offers new rules for creating value, leading, and innovating in our rapidly changing world. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Start Your New Client Relationship Right Match Your Presentation to Your Audience Make Decisions Simpler for Your Customers Choose the Right Tools to Communicate With Your Virtual Team Ask for More Before Granting a Favor Create a Vision that Motivates Your Team Manage a Diverse and Dispersed Team Why Projects Work Better than Interviews Decide If Travel Is Really Worth It Make Your Big Idea Happen All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR's Must Reads Library Set Guide to Persuasive Presentations Guide to Better Business Writing Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)