Contrangst: The Angst of Micro-Managing

Corporate communication analysis based on more than two decades of change consulting. Name for the common cultural problem courtesy of The Emotionary: Words that don't exist for feelings that do.



Contrangst. What mico-managers feel all the time.



The originator's angst is not the biggest problem. If the micro-manager wants to give himself an ulcer or heart-attack...Well, one less micro-PITA to worry about.



What makes this angst so wretched is all the stupidity it creates throughout the organization. Lack of empowerment. Constant check-ins as if fantastic employees were two year-olds. Lack of trust. Time constraints ramped up so the Contrangulator can feel like he's on top of things. Lots of wasted meetings to report micro-incremental changes in status. Demoralization. Decay of the positive culture that the leaders above the Contrangulator are trying to create.



What to Do: Fire the Contrangulator. If that is not possible, avoid him at all costs.