Confessions of a recovering micromanager | Chieh Huang

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ธ.ค. 2018
  • Think about the most tired you've ever been at work. It probably wasn't when you stayed late or came home from a road trip -- chances are it was when you had someone looking over your shoulder, watching your each and every move. "If we know that micromanagement isn't really effective, why do we do it?" asks entrepreneur Chieh Huang. In a funny talk packed with wisdom and humility, Huang shares the cure for micromanagement madness -- and how to foster innovation and happiness at work.
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ความคิดเห็น • 134

  • @SaltySparrow
    @SaltySparrow 5 ปีที่แล้ว +85

    People want guidance, but not to be abused.

  • @jmfs3497
    @jmfs3497 3 ปีที่แล้ว +62

    I have a micromanager right now, and they literally will lead me in the wrong direction on projects for 75% of the timeline, and then suddenly change and expand everything to the point that everything I was asked to spend that time on is useless and I have to start from scratch with 25% of the time to complete the project... and then they granularly micromanage every task in the chaotic rush to hit the deadline. It is exhausting, and any time I try to talk about it I'm told I have a bad attitude... I'm literally practicing talking like Morgan Freeman to sound as positive and calm as possible, and it doesn't seem to matter, every word is deemed "negative" and that I "don't like feedback".

    • @brightspacebabe
      @brightspacebabe 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      My boss is demeaning and when I get mad he says I don’t like “constructive criticism.”😒 there is a difference dude and he knows exactly what he is doing. Narcissistic.

    • @vovelasquez
      @vovelasquez ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for sharing!!! I was feeling a certain way. I have experienced a similar situation and thought, “what in the world is going on here?!” but now I know it’s a them issue. Trust is a big factor on BOTH sides tho so I agree with this man’s ending caption. Micromanagers mean well but their execution is trash 🗑….

    • @jmfs3497
      @jmfs3497 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@brightspacebabe I have had QUITE the journey over the last year. What started as me researching micromanagement turning into what you said NARCISSISM. And then it led to OCPD. All of it is spot on. I had to learn to Grey Rock and live my career in secret and play aloof to the OCPD/Narc/Micromanager. He pulled that same kinda phrase on me to a brand new manager while introducing me. "This is JMFS. He doesn't like feedback." Never met a more insecure, inefficient, messed up personality disorder in my entire life. People should stop pretending micromanagement is a small problem, when these exact folks have severe personality disorders that are nose-diving their entire institution.

    • @martyjohnstone8226
      @martyjohnstone8226 ปีที่แล้ว

      You're far nicer than me! I normally give someone about six months to establish whether they are trying to help, whether the help is actually needed, compare the quality if our work, etc. Then after that I hit them hard and and fast;
      "I don't need you to manage me"
      "Perhaps you should concern yourself with your own tasks, as your output there is sub par"
      Than lastly, if none of that works:
      "I don't want this to become a big thing, I really don't want that..."
      Then after that go to war, gather evidence of the behaviour, document everything etc

    • @deepkamaljassal443
      @deepkamaljassal443 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      same be a "Yes Man", that's the only solution

  • @julshz
    @julshz 5 ปีที่แล้ว +40

    Wow. I really needed to hear this. Now I know why I'm so exhausted -- I'm under a friggin microscope, and she doesn't even write my paycheck. Thanks for this.

  • @TopFlightSecurity415
    @TopFlightSecurity415 4 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    i feel like sending this to my supervisors

  • @thinwolf4516
    @thinwolf4516 5 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    One of the best TED talks I have ever watched.
    Should be required for every manager at promotion or hiring, especially in larger business or organizations. As a test; if the newly minted manager doesn’t “get it,” they should be flagged and redirected into non-managerial positions.

  • @hamdehb325
    @hamdehb325 5 ปีที่แล้ว +73

    I had a manager who used to micromanage me to a point that he started asking me to fill out activity sheets for everyday in the week at half hour intervals and then fill out what I actually got done and I was in a manager position. So I did what any normal person would do, I ignored that sheet. Every weekly meeting for the next 3 weeks he would mention on our to do excel sheet that I still didn’t send it and I would say oh okay I forgot until he asked me “why don’t you want to fill out that sheet?”. I replied “well, why do you want me to?” He then said “It’s a good time management tool for you”. I then replied “yes I agree, however I don’t see the point of sending it to you, If I’m actually getting all the work done.” That was the day he realised that he was micromanaging me and backed off. We had a conversation and talked about expectations and then it got better.
    I started updating him on a daily basis, that we actually cancelled our weekly meeting because he always knew what was going on and that I was able to do the job without the constant supervision.

    • @jmfs3497
      @jmfs3497 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (not to be confused with OCD). OCPD/Narcissists love to make lists and dive into granularity regardless of whether it is valuable to anything but themselves.

    • @adrianaadnan9958
      @adrianaadnan9958 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yeah but most people aren't like you. I think delegation only works for self starters and people who cares about the company. Not everyone cares.

  • @swoosh.24
    @swoosh.24 2 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I have a company which micromanages big time. It has killed my confidence to a degree where its hard for me to make a decision for any sort of little stuffs in my personal life as well. It has made me feel too incapable even on the things I know I can excel.

    • @j.j.9538
      @j.j.9538 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Let me tell you something, buddy... do you know why bosses micromanages? It's always because of one of two reasons:
      1 - They're feeling threatened by your competence.
      2 - They are envious of you for some other reason.

  • @supremeoghenewoakpo8575
    @supremeoghenewoakpo8575 5 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Yeah, for even efficiency in team work, we need to trust others competence and capabilities to avoid MICROMANAGEMENT!
    Good job Chieh!

  • @edwardpiner8691
    @edwardpiner8691 5 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    This guy is hilarious much love from Ontario Canada

  • @luhe8
    @luhe8 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    in my last job, I needed guidance for a while because I was getting into a new field. thing is, after like a month I felt comfortable and secure enough to do it by myself...but my boss wouldn't get off of me. ended up in me quitting the job. I was her 8th demission that year, so that should tell you something.

  • @dollarquantums
    @dollarquantums 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I had two micromanagers at the same time and I left the company a year ago. Then I rejoined back months ago thought they've changed. And now I regret again. Foolish me.

  • @mohammedalowais3325
    @mohammedalowais3325 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thank you TED for letting Chieh Huang talk. His insight is very valuable.

  • @azr6288
    @azr6288 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I dislike micromanagers do not wish them well . I thrive when managers trust and allow their employees to get the job done in their way.

  • @DrZudsi
    @DrZudsi 5 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    I was having issues with one guy I work with micromanaging me. It was absolutely making my work days miserable. As this guy is quite a bit higher up than me in the company, I didn't know how to go about the situation. I told my supervisor I was having issues and asked him to talk to the guy. Supervisor was kind enough to do that for me. Once my supervisor talked to him, the guy came over and apologized and we talked it out and he has since backed off a bit. He's a nice guy, so once he was aware, he tried to improve. There's still some minor issues here and there, especially when we get busy, but overall it's definitely better.
    I guess the moral of the story is, if you're being micromanaged and you want it to stop, talk to that person, whether it be yourself, or through someone else (HR in this guys example). If they don't realize what they're doing, they don't know what it is they need to fix.

    • @DrZudsi
      @DrZudsi 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Josh Lucas Well the only person above him owns the company. I have seen the owners way of management and it doesn't appear to be micromanaging

    • @DarthVader20201
      @DarthVader20201 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Owners don't micromanage CEOs do. Board of Director doesn't.

  • @GlacticSoul
    @GlacticSoul 5 ปีที่แล้ว +150

    MICRO-MANAGEMENT = INSECURITY

    • @mslerenard4297
      @mslerenard4297 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Nekay O it's sad hey

    • @crystalholder2213
      @crystalholder2213 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I work with a micromanage who don't understand the job....

    • @DairangerSentai7
      @DairangerSentai7 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      How do I change??

    • @user-uf7ve4sr4r
      @user-uf7ve4sr4r 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      psychopathy

    • @Godsserver22
      @Godsserver22 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Ugh I was hoping it was not going to be revealed but that is exactly what it is, plain and simple.

  • @NubNeb
    @NubNeb 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    First time watching this guy, but he's a super great speaker!!

    • @jasonjonah6760
      @jasonjonah6760 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      you all probably dont give a damn but does any of you know of a way to log back into an instagram account..?
      I was dumb forgot my password. I would love any tips you can give me.

    • @kyriegary1355
      @kyriegary1355 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Jason Jonah Instablaster ;)

  • @TheAcc7080
    @TheAcc7080 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I‘m glade to see some managers trust their employees

  • @pvtpain66k
    @pvtpain66k 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    8:25 that's so mighty fine Dad humor you have there, Sir.

  • @wormemc
    @wormemc 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent speaker. Really entertaining.

  • @glennkitchen3820
    @glennkitchen3820 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    trust your teams abilities and let them use their skills.

  • @wendyngo6765
    @wendyngo6765 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great talk on micromanagement and a greater talk to promote your company 👍🏼

  • @greenhorngrower5503
    @greenhorngrower5503 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love love love this channel!!! Now time to light one up!

  • @VadaVoo
    @VadaVoo 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Marvelous speaker! The kind of guy you wish could beat out Jeff Bazos. Such a gift of joyful entertainment. I'm a fan! 😁

  • @loganthemachine7841
    @loganthemachine7841 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    GREAT TED TALK

  • @leabeckman3558
    @leabeckman3558 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Enough said! Thank you!

  • @goodhabitmunnabhai443
    @goodhabitmunnabhai443 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    thank you, sir

  • @IlokanoWarrior
    @IlokanoWarrior 5 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I’m on break, I’m being watched and timed on my break. Yes my 10 minute break where there is no time punch is being monitored.

  • @liquidpebbles
    @liquidpebbles 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    One of the best I've seen

  • @valeriahelena3699
    @valeriahelena3699 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent! 👏👏👏👏👏

  • @DojoOfCool
    @DojoOfCool 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The last place where I worked before retiring the owner of the company was the worst I say Nano Manage ever. He tried to drain every nano second of people's time no matter what there job was. He thought he knew everything about everything because he read a lot of articles about . Many people quit, he fired quite a few, and he definitely sucked the life and spirit out of the staff. Never worked anyplace in my life where at the stroke of 5pm cam and the office because a ghost town, no one stayed a minute longer than required. The owner also tried to play people against each other thinking it would motivate one or both, no just more frustration. He did it with me and it backfired on him. I was talking retirement already, but I had wiggle room in my date. The owner started pleading with me to stay because he want to fire the other person in my position and admitted what I suspected he was got to outsource our jobs so could I stay and handle everything till he switches. He had ticked me off enough and really taken advantage of my coworker. Also my coworker had a family and getting fired without warning would really be a major problem. So told the owner I couldn't stay, I also hinted to my coworker to start looking for another job. I couldn't say more because the owner of small company had camera and I suspect microphone everywhere. I know from a coupe of the employees he pulled into his office to critize them the level of details in his gripe. So I would say micro managing and nano managing like my last job backfires more than it could ever help.

  • @kitcassim4156
    @kitcassim4156 หลายเดือนก่อน

    so good

  • @rickshawwheelchair
    @rickshawwheelchair 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    All you need to know is from Office Space...."I've got 8 different bosses right now"

  • @Litchi91
    @Litchi91 5 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    My first job after graduating management read our mails, monitored our internet history (not just what sites we visited but also how long we were on there for), security cameras were used to spy on us (if they saw us at another co-workers desk they would call us to go back to our own because we have no business being at their desk - even if it was work related!), and microphones were installed so they can hear what we talk about. It was bad.

    • @JewTube001
      @JewTube001 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      sounds like an orwellian nightmare

    • @joelrionstaves4684
      @joelrionstaves4684 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Oh My Goodness!

  • @brendaechols5929
    @brendaechols5929 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My place is nothing but micromanaging. Everyday your in a different station depending on where they need you, you are watched from every angle. Some of the work areas you cannot even do because you weight less than the heavy boxes do., their are standards , quality of work, and 95% of your performance is rated on how fast you are per minute. If you don't make your quota it affects your raises and yearly performance..Never mind the job is tedious, boring, standing in one spot for long hours doing the same repetitive movement lifting heavy boxes . They push you beyond your limits because if we are not producing fast enough they don't get their raise.
    Never mind I pushed myself to my limits, sacrificed time away from my family, got a Herniated disk, arthritis in hands, bone spurs, bursitis, tendinitis, vitamin deficiency, nerve damage, anxiety, depression, muscular skeletal problems, etc..all because of this place. The stress is overwhelming. PTSD .
    This is why there is high turnover. My doctor recommends quitting period.

  • @PennyZenker
    @PennyZenker 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you for a funny and relevant talk. I talk about Micromanagement too in my best selling book The Productivity Zone : Stop the Tug of War with Time. I am a recovering Micromanager too and I found that the more I try and control the less control I actually have. The obsession kills creativity and flexibility in ourselves and others.

    • @jmfs3497
      @jmfs3497 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      That is what is so disappointing about micromanager personalities. Their obsession doesn't just affect themselves, but spreads out and reduces the value of every person they encounter, and even worse, it narcissistically destroys the lives and careers of perfectly functional and talented people.

  • @CEH3
    @CEH3 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    "just a regular 12 hour shift" - I work in this world - it is f'n broken...

    • @luhe8
      @luhe8 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      yeah, working 12 hours shouldn't be normal nor necessary...

  • @engineer9528
    @engineer9528 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    11:42 The solution to Micromanagement

  • @lanthao7774
    @lanthao7774 ปีที่แล้ว

    My micromanager asked me to prepare the final report at the beginning of a research project. There is no result to report about but he wants to see the chapter an paragraph titles.

  • @lifeofandrewlynn9448
    @lifeofandrewlynn9448 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Anyone know where we can find the sources he referenced?

  • @PhyrIsSoCold
    @PhyrIsSoCold 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    TRUST. That's right. Wow. Okay, cuz my last boss hired a new guy to report every single thing I did. Worked at that job for over a yr, 60hr/week.. ("Who called? What are they looking for?" "Where are you going?" "What are you doing?" etc. Every. Single. Time.) Yep, I quit very shortly afterward, and hearing what my co-worker friend has said and the reviews online, the store's not doing too well.

  • @Trackrace29582
    @Trackrace29582 5 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I’ve been micromanaged my whole life that I don’t feel comfortable doing things myself

    • @jrc2976
      @jrc2976 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      faiz abbas tragic

  • @emper19
    @emper19 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Love you all

  • @j.j.9538
    @j.j.9538 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Let's all be honest. Bosses micronage people because they are feeling threatened by their competence or they're envious of the person. 100% of the time. It's a compliment to your abilities. Still... they want you out. Be careful.

  • @jamesrindley6215
    @jamesrindley6215 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Welcome to the new world of agile scrum - namely institutionalized micro-management at the deepest level applied to areas where creativity is presumably the desired outcome.

    • @quentonwillis3846
      @quentonwillis3846 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not going to lie. I've been watching videos on micro-management to figure out how NOT to do so to my team, as their Scrum Master. (While also protecting them from other people doing so.)

  • @ginpepper
    @ginpepper 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Trust - yup

  • @brittanystorms6836
    @brittanystorms6836 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great talk!
    ... is anyone else hung up on the information that feminine hygiene is assessed with a "luxury tax"?!

    • @gameking8809
      @gameking8809 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not saying that is right. But there are other fields were women pay less than men.

  • @poloboy
    @poloboy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Woah, that was more like nanomanaging 😄

  • @sac5608
    @sac5608 4 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I dont trust anyone who used to be a micromanager. Including this guy i bet he still does it. "be creative"blah blah its what they all say.

    • @DairangerSentai7
      @DairangerSentai7 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      I just found out I'm a micro manager. I seriously need help and how to not do it.

    • @DairangerSentai7
      @DairangerSentai7 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @Bikechanic I'm still in the "awakening" phase. I still need reliable exercises to develop better attitude when working with people. So no, but thanks for checking-in.

    • @anhbayar11
      @anhbayar11 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@DairangerSentai7 just let them be, leave them alone, trust your people goddamn it

    • @Yyyyyy5
      @Yyyyyy5 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Exactly!

    • @Yyyyyy5
      @Yyyyyy5 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Bikechanic don’t talk to him.

  • @matilda2
    @matilda2 5 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    Thumbs up if you are guilty of micromanaging

    • @unstoppablehumour6637
      @unstoppablehumour6637 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I enjoy macromanaging people and being macromanaged. Micromanagement is a waste of time + it indicates that the work done is unambitious, uninspiring. Especially if done by a not-that-much-competent person.

  • @Ciprian-Amarandei
    @Ciprian-Amarandei 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    CONFLIC... you used the wrong font

  • @missfits97
    @missfits97 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I'm currently staying in a job where there are CCTV cameras every corner of the office + audio (absolutely no freedom). Plus your boss monitors your social media accounts and meddles with your personal life. What a tyrant.

  • @rahimrm5839
    @rahimrm5839 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    لكن اين الترجمه ؟ 😢😞.

  • @RhazCastillon
    @RhazCastillon 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Dude the last word was enough...

  • @user-dj6zy4bc5r
    @user-dj6zy4bc5r 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have come

  • @brendaorr6064
    @brendaorr6064 ปีที่แล้ว

    The Risk and Reward Theory. If Risk is not aloud by invasive control...there is no opportunity for Reward.

  • @robyn6018
    @robyn6018 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I know what I need to get day at my job! So stop your going to loose people

  • @Overthinkingescape
    @Overthinkingescape 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Can’t be micro without macro.

  • @trungnam9344
    @trungnam9344 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    speed

  • @globally123
    @globally123 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    It is controlling and bullying.

  • @celestialcircledance
    @celestialcircledance 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can't there be a middle ground where workers can come up with wild and creative ideas in the privacy of there cubicles but submit them to a review board before execution ?

  • @user-rt8vl3sw2w
    @user-rt8vl3sw2w 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ted talk

  • @robyn6018
    @robyn6018 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Lol, because my manager started working doing what I do, then got a manager position and her head grew like a balloon

    • @robyn6018
      @robyn6018 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      And treats people differently as far as breaks ect!and people get sick of the double standards

  • @harry2go
    @harry2go 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Anyone to explain why 'optimist' is funny? I am not good at Eng....

    • @betsi9183
      @betsi9183 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      😂😂😂 how you going to spend 164 C, You need a lot s

  • @fredriksvard2603
    @fredriksvard2603 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Is there a single ted talk worth watching?

  • @user-rt8vl3sw2w
    @user-rt8vl3sw2w 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Cual juan

  • @MrHarryc727
    @MrHarryc727 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    He never says why he found pleasure in micromanaging.

  • @aaranragu
    @aaranragu 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nobody gon talk about Johnny Sins in the video

  • @i-am-learning-life
    @i-am-learning-life 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    These 97 micro managers

  • @cristiangabor6568
    @cristiangabor6568 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    "you know"

  • @ztaylor82
    @ztaylor82 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Ted has certainly lost it's lustre over the years!

  • @renlin6614
    @renlin6614 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This guy should play starcraft

  • @rajeev203
    @rajeev203 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    3:50 Johnny sins

  • @abdulhamitibrahim6343
    @abdulhamitibrahim6343 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    H

  • @shintaiden
    @shintaiden 5 ปีที่แล้ว

    He had me til pink tax.

  • @LucasFerreira-do5ov
    @LucasFerreira-do5ov 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brazil didn't understand nothing, sorry lol 😂

    • @AwesomeMan2696
      @AwesomeMan2696 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      put on captions and switch it to your language

    • @praises2jahhh
      @praises2jahhh ปีที่แล้ว

      But your comment is in perfect English jejeje

  • @ST-rm3bz
    @ST-rm3bz 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I stopped watching when he used a TED talk about micromanagement to advertise his whatever company, not at all related with the topic.

  • @toml845
    @toml845 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    💩BCG💩

  • @bernardite
    @bernardite 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    the mother in law joke was definitely out of place...

  • @MandaClaudiuMCM
    @MandaClaudiuMCM ปีที่แล้ว

    I'd have the tendency to micromanage lazy people until they resign, cuz it's hard to fire them these days. Loads of people talk about how bad managers are like all workers are saints. True that there's loads of managers that suck, from personal experience the vast majority are hired cuz of nepotism or that's the culture of the company, being crap. But we all know loads of lazy people that aim only at getting paid while being lazy and still find reasons to complain.

  • @user-rt8vl3sw2w
    @user-rt8vl3sw2w 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

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