One of the hardest lessons we ever learn, and re-learn, as managers is to manage by outcomes. Our tendency is to manage by actions. We tell people, "Do this and do that!" and we tell them, "Do it in this order, not that order!" and we tell them, "Don't do this and don't do it that way!" Managing by actions produces an enormous amount of stress in our lives as managers. The alternative is to manage by results. Tell your people what your desired outcome is and the required timeline, and then let them do their work. Explain to them that you don't mind how it gets done, as long as it gets done within the parameters of your company's core values and practices.

It's easy to write about, but for those of us who have any semblance of control freak tendencies, it is really hard to do. But most people complain that they have talents and abilities that they don't get an opportunity to use. Most employees complain that their manager does not give them work that challenges them.

What's the danger? There is only a danger if you don't have the right people on your team. That is a separate problem. Start managing by results rather than by actions. You will be less stressed, and your people, sensing their independence, will blossom. If you find you have to constantly manage by actions, either you are not fit to be a manager, you have the wrong people on your team, or you and your team members need some coaching.