If you are feeling stressed about the deadline of your project, it is natural to feel the urge to crack the whip and be on your teammates backs. However, after my recent experience in which I was responsible for making sure our code was delivered on time, I have learned that micro-managing others is not a good approach.
If you are a developer, it is more than likely you know the feeling of having someone watching your every move. I don't know about others, but I don't like it. As a professional, I make every effort to make the most of my time. Having someone telling me to work faster only works the first two or three time....then it becomes bothersome.
So, if you are feeling like you are becoming "that guy" who is micromanaging your employees, try to re-align your outlook with these few guidelines*
- Challenge yourself to find a 20/80 balance. Use 20% of your time to manage others, and 80% of your time to accomplish your tasks. Take the focus off of making sure your employees are completing your work, and make sure you complete yours!
- Communicate your concerns/fears to your superior. If you are feeling too stressed out to deal with all the issues/blocks, or you don't think you can meet the deadline: TALK TO YOUR SUPERIOR! It is their job to make sure you get your job done.
- Following my previous point, don't release your frustration on those below you. Release your burdens upwards, not downward. Those below you will just feel depressed if you unload on them. Those above you can actually help you overcome those issues.
I hope you find this helpful!
*Thanks to Jeff Hunsaker for sharing his wisdom and experience
