Don’t Micromanage. Micro-Coach. - SWI #136

Read time: 2 mins

Do you find leading people… exhausting?

You’re not alone.

People are complicated.

They don’t always listen.

Problems keep popping up.

And sometimes it feels like no matter what you do, you’re stuck playing whack-a-mole with team issues.

But when your team is working well—when everyone’s rowing in the same direction?

It feels amazing.

You get more done. Stress levels go down. And the whole business starts to hum.

That’s why great leadership matters.

Not perfect leadership.

But consistent, intentional leadership that builds trust and momentum over time, without having to micromanage, or burning you out.

So here’s a powerful idea we share with clients:

DON'T MICROMANAGE - MICRO-COACH

Trying to “fix” a team in one meeting or with one conversation rarely works.

And constant micromanaging just leaves everyone frustrated.

Instead, the goal is micro-coaching: investing small amounts of time and attention consistently to build skills, solve problems, and strengthen relationships.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

1. Have regular 1:1s (not just when something’s wrong)

Block out 20 minutes each week or fortnight to check in with each team member.

Ask about progress, blockers, and how they’re feeling.

You’ll catch small issues early and build real connection.

2. Give feedback in the moment

You don’t need a formal review process to give feedback.

Just say, “Hey, I noticed X. Can I share a thought?”

Good feedback is timely, specific, and kind. That’s it.

3. Make praise part of your weekly rhythm

Recognise wins out loud.

Whether it’s on a team call or in a quick Slack message, regular positive reinforcement builds motivation and clarity on what good looks like.

Bottom line:

The best teams aren’t built in a day.

They’re built through small, consistent leadership moments.

You don’t need to be perfect, and you certainly don't need to micromanage.

You just need to show up every day.

Be consistent, clear, and curious.

And if you want help building a team that runs without you constantly putting out fires?

That’s what we help business owners do.

👉 Book a strategy call

Speak soon,
Lynne and Steve

TLDR:

• Leading a team can be exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be.
• Stop trying to fix everything in one big meeting.
• Instead, micro-coach with small, regular habits:
  1. Weekly 1:1s
  2. In-the-moment feedback
  3. Consistent praise
  4. Strong teams are built through consistent leadership, not heroics

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