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Micromanager Test

20 Questions
3 Minutes

Are you a micromanager?

Micromanaging leaders, who try to control every aspect of their employees’ work, are often seen by workers as clueless or overbearing—but often, the behavior is fueled by anxiety and insecurity, not arrogance. Are you over-managing your team? Take this test to find out.

Using the key below, answer the questions based on how strongly you agree or disagree with the statement.

Strongly Disagree
Disagree
Neutral
Strongly Agree
Agree
1. I double-check my employees’ work as often as possible.
Disagree
Agree
2. Delegating tasks is challenging for me.
Disagree
Agree
3. I give detailed instructions for every task I assign, regardless of its difficulty.
Disagree
Agree
4. Even if my employee’s work is strong, I often make tweaks.
Disagree
Agree
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5. I worry that my team’s mistakes will reflect poorly on me.
Disagree
Agree
6. I prefer that everyone on my team completes their tasks in the same way.
Disagree
Agree
7. I trust my employees to make smart decisions without consulting me.
Disagree
Agree
8. I often find myself completely redoing my employees’ work.
Disagree
Agree
9. Projects are only completed satisfactorily if I personally supervise them.
Disagree
Agree
10. I rarely allow someone other than myself to take the lead on a project.
Disagree
Agree
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11. I prefer my employees to check in with me before initiating tasks we have not discussed.
Disagree
Agree
12. Whatever approach my employees take is fine with me as long as work gets done.
Disagree
Agree
13. I spend a lot of time focusing on process.
Disagree
Agree
14. Everyone, including high performers, needs close monitoring.
Disagree
Agree
Yindee/Shutterstock
15. I expect employees to update me on their work frequently.
Disagree
Agree
16. I observe my team members closely to make sure they’re doing things right.
Disagree
Agree
17. I believe that people work best when they’re given complete freedom.
Disagree
Agree
18. I request updates from my employees more often than others in roles similar to mine.
Disagree
Agree
19. I ask my employees for highly detailed accounts of how they spend their time.
Disagree
Agree
20. I spend a lot of time thinking about how projects might go wrong.
Disagree
Agree
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Who Is This Micromanaging Test For?

This test is for those in leadership roles who are curious about their management style and whether they engage in micromanaging behaviors. It is designed for adults and is not intended to be prescriptive.

We value your privacy - see how we protect the info you provide when you take this test.

How to Get Help With Micromanaging

If you struggle with micromanaging and want to change your behavior, a therapist or career counselor could help. Find one near you on the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

Sources

  • Deen, C. et al. Micromanagement Scale (MMS-17)
  • Bass, B., and Avolio, B. Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ)
  • Halpin, A. et al. Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ)