Rarely do you find someone who wants to be micromanaged. However, sometimes our actions encourage others to micromanage us.
Imagine an executive who has a great new idea. He lays it out in front of the nonprofit board fully thought out and carefully structured. Now the board has two choices, accept it whole or consider it a la carte. The first, accepting it whole, means simply giving permission to go forward. Of course, if the board does, it will be abdicating its role as oversight. The board is also relieved of any ownership since it is giving permission rather than joining the decision-making process.
The second, a la carte, option means digging through the proposal and ask questions. Because of the careful and thorough planning by the executive, the examination must be at the minute level. This encourages the board to engage in a detailed examination of decisions (micromanagement).
The executive can avoid being micromanaged by presenting the idea in broad strokes and with limited detail. This will encourage the board to explore the idea from a high level and may open new opportunities or uncover ways to reduce risk. It also encourages the board to help shape the project. Shaping the project creates a sense of ownership within the board, which increases board engagement. It also leaves the details open for the executive to handle any way the executive wants (opposite of micromanagement).
Next Step:
Invite the board to discuss ideas at the highest level
Use the details you developed to guide the board’s discussion
Use the key discussion points to guide how you will report progress to the board as implementation proceeds
Reporting only on the key points from the board’s discussion prevents the board from engaging in micromanagement later on.
Sustainability of your nonprofit is increased by having the best possible input on every idea and the most engaged board possible. Sustainability is also increased by having the board feel a sense of ownership with every decision made.
You have a great board, which can be a great asset if you challenge them to think broadly rather than think about the details of each proposal.
