The Daily Telegraph

THE MICRO MANAGER AND THE WRONG LIST

Mark Price, former MD of Waitrose, shares his workplace fables – true stories from the business front line that can teach us lessons about career success

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The Micro Manager was famed throughout the bank for his attention to detail, and he was very proud of the accolade. He would sign off each Banquo cheque and invoice personally and sign every pay sheet and holiday request.

The Micro Manager’s desk was always piled with papers to review. He spent long hours making sure every bit of paper had his personal attention.

One day, Banquo’s managing director came down to the Micro Manager’s office and took him for a walk.

“You are very diligent with your paperwork,” the managing director said as they walked. “Thank you, I work through my list of what’s to be done every day because I think it important to pay attention to detail,” responded the Micro Manager proudly.

“Hmmmm,” murmured the managing director. “But, is it the right detail?”

As they walked, the managing director pointed out that Banquo was failing to achieve its potential because there was much detail the Micro Manager failed to notice; the customers left queuing, the untidy counters, or the mood and conditions of his staff.

Moral of the tale: Focus on the detail that makes a commercial difference.

Workplace Fables: 147 True Life

Stories, by Mark Price, is published by Stour Publishing. To order your copy for £8.99 plus p&p, call 0844 871 1514 or visit books. telegraph.co.uk

Share your Workplace Fables and learn more about Mark’s mission to improve workplace happiness at engaging.works/ideas

‘There was much detail that he failed to notice’

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