Management

Issue No. 64 - April/May 2012

Hovering, controlling and just ‘getting in the way’

by Linda Chaousis

In the past two months, several people have said to me, “You know, I think I am just an entrepreneur or maybe a person that needs to be my own boss because I can’t seem to cope with having a manager.”

As each conversation unfolded it became clear that not one of these workers was rebellious, insubordinate or unable to submit to authority.

The problem? They worked for helicopter managers. As with helicopter parents, helicopter managers hover, control and stunt growth, independent thinking and progress.

Managers do have to be directive at times and they certainly have to set and review performance goals. But helicopter mangers take this too far and micro-manage to the point of actually interfering with the employee’s ability to get their job done.

This also communicates a lack of trust in (or knowledge of) the employees skills and potential which often spirals in to lower morale. Some people need close supervision for some tasks, while they are lear...

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