Welcome to this vital unit of our course, "Why Manage? Understanding the Impact of Managers." In this unit, we will delve into the critical distinctions between effective and ineffective management styles and explore their impact on team morale and performance.

One key thing to note is that no one intends to be a bad manager. Anyone of us can exhibit characteristics and behaviors yet not realize their negative impact. So it's important for us to be self-aware and know how we show up each day.

Understanding the difference between micromanagement and empowerment is crucial for any manager. Micromanagement involves closely controlling every detail of your team's work, often leading to frustration and reduced motivation. On the other hand, empowerment gives your team the autonomy to make decisions and take initiative, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity.

By recognizing these differences, you can adjust your management style to better support and motivate your team.

To deeply understand the impact of management styles, it's beneficial to experience the effects firsthand. Micromanagement can feel stifling and demotivating. When all decisions are controlled by the manager, team members may feel their expertise and judgment are undervalued.

Imagine being in a situation where your manager insists you, "Run every single step by me before you proceed." This approach can hinder your ability to innovate and lead to a sense of dependency and low morale.

Conversely, experiencing empowerment can be incredibly uplifting. When managers trust their team's abilities and provide them with the freedom to make decisions, it often results in increased motivation, higher productivity, and stronger team ownership.

• Natalie: Milo, I trust you to handle this project. Make the decisions you think are best, and reach out if you need any guidance.
• Milo: Thanks, Natalie! I have some ideas on how to improve the process, and I'll get started right away.

In this example, Natalie empowers Milo by trusting his judgment and offering support. This approach enhances Milo's motivation, productivity, and sense of ownership over the project.

Mastering the balance between guidance and autonomy is key to effective management and can significantly elevate your team's performance and satisfaction. Get ready for the upcoming role-play sessions where you get to experience these firsthand.