Preface

In developing background material for a corporate training session on “Avoiding the Traps of Micromanagement,” I found zero publications on this specific topic. A key word search of various Internet engines yielded over twenty-five thousand hits on micromanagement. There were many articles and references, yet no publications. Obviously, it is an important topic of interest, but no one has given it formal definition or delved into corrective strategies.

This book defines micromanagement, separates illusion from reality, offers diagnostic tools, and identifies corrections. It is intended to offer structure to the discussion.

A book like this could only be written as a collaborative effort. It reflects a lifetime of experience combined with valuable input from many knowledgeable people who were willing to share their thoughts and ideas. I gained tremendous insight from all of those who were willing to contribute information and anecdotes to this manuscript.

I would especially like to thank my wife, Chris, whose collaboration was immense. Her support and editing skills have taken this from a series of disjointed thoughts to a book with some meaningful structure. She functions as coauthor and keeps me focused.

Mickey Beatty has once again proven invaluable to another publication. This is the sixth book, none of which would exist if it wasn’t for her help, dedication, and flexibility. She creates the manuscript, meets the deadlines, and somehow makes sense of my ramblings.

Katherine Wilson, Ph.D., was very helpful in structuring and evaluating the Micromanagement Survey. She kept me honest. She made sure that I wasn’t just creating a survey to create the results I wanted. She is a talented lady.

I would like to give special thanks to all who contributed information, including the following:

And all those who wish to remain anonymous!

To all of you: Your wisdom and creativity were extremely valuable.

The Micromanagement Survey contained in this manuscript was possible because of the efforts of many people who were willing not only to share their perceptions but also to encourage others to respond to the survey. To all of you who participated, a heartfelt thank you.

I would also like to thank both Steven Piersanti, Jeevan Sivasubramaniam, and the many other professionals within Berrett-Koehler. This is my first publication with Berrett-Koehler, and I have found it to be an exceptional organization with a unique and refreshing publishing philosophy. If anyone reading this book has an interest in publishing a business-related book, I would strongly urge you to consider a publishing partnership with Berrett-Koehler. The staff there truly are focused on a world that works for all.

Harry E. Chambers
September, 2004