Say "yes" to management, "no" to micromanagement

Micromanagement may sound slim, but it isn't. It gobbles up the time, energy and focus you need for other tasks. Resist the urge to constantly check up on everyone and everything. Once your employees know your expectations, assume they'll follow through. Check in with them at pre-planned intervals, review their work and hold them accountable for its quality. Spend the time saved completing the executive management tasks that are actually part of your job description.

I recommend: Rewards Nation is an online resource you can use to inspire, motivate and reward your employees for showing initiative and producing quality work. When employees feel more appreciated, you'll feel less of a need to micromanage. You'll also find a few helpful tips on how to avoid the pitfalls of micromanagement at EvanCarmichael.com.

Foster communication between company management and employees, but guard your private time

Let employees know when you're not to be disturbed, yet exercise an open-door policy at appropriate times. If you're serious about both time and business management, solutions like these will be the order of the day for your company: Never allow "upward delegation" of tasks; encourage employee collaboration and peer mentoring, instead. This will benefit both you and your staff, as you proactively free up more time for your own work and they learn to accept greater responsibility for theirs.

I recommend: Automate, delegate or outsource any non-management tasks that don’t require your personal expertise or oversight. You might try STAR 360 Feedback employee evaluation software or consider its outsourcing program.  Also, try the OnlineOrganizing.com Delegation Checklist for a comprehensive set of important points to consider when delegating, or the Clickable Office for a great group of tips for preventing interruptions to your work. (Click the image of the angry boss.)

Develop, equip and empower your staff, and free yourself for company management

Arrange for training to better equip your staff to do their jobs. Provide the needed tools, resources and authority. Then, as their experience, competence and confidence grow, begin giving them greater latitude for independent decisionmaking. Free both yourself and your team from the burden of having to give or receive approval for everything done.

I recommend: Downloadable training courses are available from SoftSkillsCourseware.com, including Sales and Marketing and Career Development training. You'll also find guidance on employee training in American Management Association’s Performance and Profits e-newsletter and tips and techniques for inspiring your team in the AMA Leader’s Edge e-newsletter.

Get the best advice about company management

Tending to your own ongoing leadership growth will help you run your business or department with increasing effectiveness. One way to gain greater managerial insight is by using management consulting services. You may also attend local or not-too-distant seminars or workshops or take online courses or webinars, where you'll have access to all the latest business management information, strategies and techniques.

I recommend: Consider using consulting firms that offer business management services, such as Accenture or BCG (Boston Consulting Group). Signing up for American Management Association’s Moving Ahead e-newsletter will also provide insights into better management techniques. BusinessTrainingMedia.com  offers numerous Management/Supervisory Skills e-seminars, and SoftSkillsCourseware.com provides Management Training courseware, as well.