Telling people what to do

Why?

• To be sure they understand what is expected of them.
• To make sure they do it properly.
• So they will do it as I want them to.
• Because I can't trust them to take responsibility.

How this style can be counterproductive

• Nobody likes to be told how to do something.
  Making people feel stupid only de-motivates them, increasing the likelihood that they will continue to make mistakes.
• This forces you to keep on top of them - a vicious circle created by you.
• It's a bit like chasing your own shadow - the more you tell people, the more they ignore you and the harder you work at telling them - a no-win pursuit.

Another way

• The key is to stop telling and start asking.
• It's not about just letting them do whatever they want - this is abdication, not management - going from one extreme to the other.
• Ask people how they would tackle the job.
• Draw out their plan with questions, stopping yourself from offering your solutions.
• They will feel it's their approach and you get the the re-assurance you need that they are on the right track - this is coaching.
• A win-win solution.
• It takes time but it can be a worthwhile investment - like teaching people to fish rather than feeding them fish.