Are you Checking IN or UP on someone?
Managers who CHECK IN build trust by focusing on the person, while CHECKING UP with work fosters resentment through micromanagement. Prioritize the person, not just the work.
There's a profound difference between a Manager who CHECKS IN with an employee vs one who CHECKS UP. It's the difference between fostering trust or breeding resentment. The difference lies in the intent.
▪️ Checking UP revolves around WORK. Picture a Manager asking constantly and only, "Have you finished this task? Why didn't you do it THIS way?" This is textbook micromanagement. It shows an obsession with control. It lowers trust.
Example: "You haven't replied to my email about the sales report. What is the reason?"
▪️ Checking IN, on the other hand, revolves all around the PERSON (not the work). It reflects a sense of partnership and trust. Here, a Manager might ask, "How are YOU doing around the task? What resources do you need to complete it? Is anything hindering your progress?" This approach shows respect, interest and care.
Example: "You haven't replied to my email about the sales report. How are you doing? What went in your way?"
➡️ So, next time, pause and think. When you ask for progress, are you checking IN or checking UP? Is your focus only on the WORK, not the PERSON?
My simple recommendation: keep it IN, not UP! You will get back a much stronger and faster relationship with your team member.