Link: The micromanager’s dilemma

I found The micromanager’s dilemma a fascinating and valuable read. Matthew Ström applies game theory to explain micromanagement as, potentially, a vital strategy for one’s leadership toolbox.

In this essay, I’ll show you that micromanagement isn’t just a nagging habit; it’s an inevitability. That’s the paradox: micromanagement is both bad management practice and a key component of the best management strategies.

The analysis is by no means exhaustive, and I found some of the inferences less than watertight. It’s certainly not a mathematical proof of an optimal management style! But the article is a great example of applying a mental model from one’s library to a problem and using it to great effect. While talking more specifically about management, I feel there are still lessons that I can draw for my own, more technical, leadership.