In my decade-long career that includes both individual contributor work and managing teams, I’ve experienced firsthand how leadership can make or break a team. Whether at WP Engine, where I led customer experience operations, or at Texas Advocacy Project and FoodPub, where I managed teams focused on development, communications, and account services, I’ve seen the long-term effects of both strong and poor leadership. Unfortunately, not all managers understand the importance of empowering their teams, communicating effectively, and fostering a supportive environment.
When leaders fall into patterns of micromanagement and poor communication, the repercussions are not only felt by individuals but also the entire organization. Teams become less innovative, employee engagement plummets, and eventually, high turnover becomes the norm. Let’s explore how these common leadership pitfalls can disrupt day-to-day work and why I prioritize a nurturing leadership approach that fosters growth and retention.
The Stranglehold of Micromanagement
Micromanagement is one of the most detrimental behaviors a leader can exhibit. While it may stem from a desire to ensure quality and accuracy, it ultimately undermines the trust and autonomy of the team. Over the course of my career, I’ve witnessed the profound negative impact this can have on both individual contributors and the organization as a whole.
At FoodPub, where I managed account specialists, the need for flexibility and autonomy was crucial to meet client demands. Had I adopted a micromanagement approach, it would have drained the morale and creativity from the team, hindering our ability to respond effectively to the fast-paced needs of our clients. Instead, I focused on creating clear guidelines and providing the resources needed, trusting my team to deliver results. This approach allowed for more proactive problem-solving, leading to better customer outcomes and stronger team morale.
The Domino Effect of Poor Communication
A lack of effective communication from leadership is equally harmful. Miscommunication, or worse, no communication, leads to confusion, duplicated efforts, and missed goals. Team members feel left in the dark, which causes frustration and a lack of alignment with organizational priorities. When communication falters, the team becomes less cohesive and less effective in achieving its objectives.
During my tenure at WP Engine, managing a team responsible for 17 customer care programs, communication was key to our success. With millions of customer touchpoints and multiple cross-functional initiatives, clear, consistent communication allowed us to meet and exceed our KPIs. Without it, our ability to roll out new programs or align with other departments would have suffered, resulting in missed opportunities and poor customer outcomes.
The Result? Burnout and Turnover
When leaders micromanage and fail to communicate effectively, the result is almost always burnout, frustration, and eventually, turnover. Talented employees want to feel trusted and valued. They want to know that their contributions are meaningful, and they crave a work environment that allows them to grow and succeed. When those needs aren’t met, they’ll start looking elsewhere—and the company will pay the price in terms of both lost talent and reduced team productivity.
At FoodPub, my focus on developing a strong team culture, with open communication and clear objectives, led to more cohesive performance and higher employee retention. We worked in a demanding environment where customer satisfaction was critical, and I ensured my team felt supported, not suffocated. As a result, we were able to deliver exceptional results for our clients while maintaining a motivated, loyal team. In contrast, I’ve seen businesses struggle with churn when leadership fails to provide this kind of supportive structure.
How I Lead: Empowerment, Trust, and Growth
As a leader, I’m passionate about creating an environment where my teams feel empowered, trusted, and supported. Across my experiences at WP Engine, Texas Advocacy Project, and FoodPub, I’ve always made it my mission to ensure that my teams have the autonomy they need to succeed and the support they need to feel confident in their roles.
At Texas Advocacy Project, I oversaw multiple volunteer initiatives and programs that required strategic leadership and a nurturing approach. By fostering an environment of clear communication and team collaboration, I was able to boost volunteer participation and ensure seamless execution of key events. I didn’t need to micromanage because my team knew they had my trust and support to excel in their responsibilities.
Conclusion: Strong Leadership is the Key to Success
The difference between strong and poor leadership is stark. Micromanagement and poor communication erode trust and create environments where employees are less engaged and more likely to leave. On the other hand, leadership that fosters trust, autonomy, and clear communication builds teams that are engaged, innovative, and loyal.
As someone who has led diverse teams across different industries, I understand the importance of nurturing talent and providing a platform for growth. My focus has always been on empowering my teams to take ownership of their work while providing the guidance and support they need to thrive. By leading with trust, communication, and a commitment to personal and professional development, I’ve been able to create high-performing teams that contribute not only to the organization’s success but also to their own career growth.