Micro-managers

Why do people micro-manage?  Do they realize the impact they have on moral and cohesion?

As best I can figure the cause if fear.  Micro-managers are so afraid of failure they are compelled to control ever nut and bolt of the program (whatever it may be) and to assert their authority over the people in their charge.  The effect a micro-manager seeks will never be realized as it cause the exact opposite to occur.

Micro-management stifles innovation, rather than encouraging it.  It destroys motivation, rather than creating it.  It creates mediocrity rather than excellence.  It dissolves cohesion, rather than building integrated teams.  But, somehow, those stuck in this management style just can't defeat their fear of failure.  They can't see that sometimes the catalyst of failure is the only way a person or team can move forward.

I don't have a solution.  If you are in a management position and don't know how to lead; then go out learn.  If you are one of the nuts and bolts, sometimes you just have to hunker down, set your mind, and compel yourself to do the best you can do.