Fundraising Connection: 6 Nonprofit Leadership Learnings

3. The other side of micromanaging

Some of us are so afraid of being accused of micromanaging that we do more harm by not managing enough.

Empowering people beyond their ability can damage your organization—and damage the people.

I prefer the concept of "latitude within limits," in which leaders provide principles and boundaries so people learn and grow within a fixed and safe environment—without doing damage to our organizations or themselves. It's harder, because it requires real leadership, direction and coaching. But it works. And it's better for your team and your organization than allowing your staff to do something you know is wrong simply to avoid looking like a micromanager.