Inspect What You Expect

We’ve all heard the phrase “inspect what you expect,” but what does that really mean in leadership? Is it just another word for micromanagement? Not quite. The secret lies in balancing guidance with trust—staying connected enough to spot issues early without hovering. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead without controlling, let’s explore how inspecting your expectations can elevate your leadership game while empowering your team to succeed.

The Leadership Approach That Drives Success

Leadership is about striking the balance between setting a vision and ensuring it’s followed through. After over two decades leading teams, I've realized one golden rule that makes all the difference: “Inspect what you expect.”

You may ask—isn't that just micromanagement?

Not exactly. Here's the distinction: micromanagement often gets a bad reputation because it's seen as hovering over someone’s shoulder, nitpicking every detail, which frustrates both the leader and the team. But the truth is, all management requires getting into the weeds at some level. The difference lies in how you manage those details.

Leaders who inspect are proactive—they check progress thoughtfully, ask the right questions, and make adjustments before small issues become big ones. It’s not about control; it’s about guidance. The goal isn’t to do the work for the team but to provide the oversight that ensures progress stays on track.

Now, contrast that with micromanagement: the tendency to control or excessively direct every single step of the process. While someone needs to be on top of details (and ideally, it’s the person doing the task), leaders who inspect give their teams the autonomy to execute, stepping in only when needed.

Think of it like a coach—you don’t play the game for your players, but you keep an eye on the field, offering advice, strategy, and course corrections as the game progresses. The key is trusting your team while staying engaged enough to provide valuable input when necessary.

Why “Inspecting” Matters

1. Early Detection of Issues:
   Regularly checking in allows you to spot small challenges before they become bigger obstacles. It’s about creating a system where issues are caught early and handled quickly.

2. Guidance Without Micromanaging:
   By inspecting progress thoughtfully, you create a balance where the team feels supported but not suffocated. You're providing clarity and guidance without taking away autonomy.

3. Building Trust and Accountability:
   When your team knows you're engaged and paying attention, it creates accountability. But the positive side of this is that they also feel valued—you’re showing that their work matters.

The Intelligent Engagement

Inspecting what you expect isn’t micromanagement; it’s intelligent engagement. It’s about being in the weeds with purpose, not control. It’s what makes a good plan succeed by ensuring it’s not just a vision but a well-executed reality.

Next time you set an expectation, don’t just leave it to chance—inspect it, guide it, and watch how the results follow.

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