Beyond Micromanagement: Using LMA to Empower Your Team

As a business owner or leader, I know you don’t intend to micromanage your employees. It’s uncomfortable for your team and more work for you. That being said, I also know that it’s easier said than done to get out of the micromanagement mindset. So how can you become a true leader and get back to doing what you enjoy in your work? Enter LMA – Leadership + Management = Accountability. This powerful EOS tool is your secret weapon for transforming your management style and empowering your team. Trust me, once you nail this, you’ll have results everyone can see and feel!

LMA: A Path to Empowered Teams

I get it, changing your management style isn’t easy. You may have been burned by previous employees, or experienced failure when you let someone else handle something for your business. However, there are several negative impacts of micromanagement, like decreased employee motivation and engagement, reduced creativity and innovation, and higher employee turnover. Not sure if you’ve fallen into the micromanagement habit? Here are a few signs you might have:

• Constantly checking in on your team’s progress
• Insisting on being cc’d on every email
• Difficulty delegating tasks
• Focusing on minor details instead of the big picture
• Redoing work your team has completed

Leaders should aim to foster a culture of trust and innovation, encouraging open communication and idea-sharing. Most importantly, they must lead by example, demonstrating the behaviors and work ethic they expect from their team. The LMA framework combines strong leadership practices with effective management techniques to foster a culture of accountability and empowerment. 

The Leadership Component: Inspiring and Guiding

The leadership component of LMA is all about vision-setting, inspiration, and creating a culture of trust. This is achieved through the following steps:

Vision-setting and communication

• Clearly articulate the company’s goals and direction
• Ensure every team member understands their role in achieving these goals

Inspiring and motivating team members

• Recognize and celebrate achievements
• Provide opportunities for professional growth and development

Fostering a culture of trust and innovation

• Encourage open communication and idea-sharing
• Create a safe environment for taking calculated risks

Leading by example

• Demonstrate the behaviors and work ethic you expect from your team
• Show vulnerability and admit when you make mistakes

The Management Component: Enabling and Supporting

Effective management within the LMA framework isn’t about constant oversight. Instead, it focuses on implementing the following practices to create an environment where your team can truly excel. 

Setting clear expectations and goals

• Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
• Ensure alignment between individual and organizational objectives

Providing resources and removing obstacles

• Equip your team with the tools and support they need to succeed
• Proactively identify and address potential roadblocks

Regular check-ins vs. constant oversight

• Schedule periodic one-on-one meetings to discuss progress and challenges
• Use these meetings to provide guidance and support, not to micromanage

Effective delegation techniques

• Match tasks to team members’ strengths and development goals
• Provide clear instructions and context, then trust your team to execute

Accountability: The Natural Outcome

When leadership and management are effectively combined, accountability naturally follows. Team members feel empowered to take ownership of their work and hold themselves and each other responsible for results. This shift from external to internal accountability is key to creating a high-performing team.

Free Yourself with LMA

Embracing LMA will free you up to work on the things you enjoy about your business. Without it, you might find yourself stuck in the weeds, struggling with team performance and morale issues. Remember, this isn’t an overnight transformation. It takes time and consistency, but the results are worth it. 

Ready to unleash your team’s potential with LMA? Contact me to learn more about how EOS and LMA can transform your business operations and set you on the path to achieving your vision. Trust me, your future self (and your team) will thank you!