These days we expect so much out of each of our employees that we sometimes find ourselves trapped in the cycle of micromanagement. It is important we quickly identify when we have ventured down this route and we must remain cognizant of the fact that no one wants to be bugged too often on the status of something they are working on. Its no doubt that you also don't wish to be treated in the same manner by your own management.

FACT: Micro-management often can feel insulting to the receiver since often if you had something to special your management should know about, you'd report it to your own management immediately right? It's equally important to have this same view when assessing how you are treating your own employees. A great manager always remains aware of the perception others have of his or her actions. In order to NOT be framed a "micro-manager", refrain from constantly checking on the status of items or tasks you have assigned. Try and hold a regular meetings to conduct information updates. Also, please try and use verbal (over the phone) or in-person communications rather than through emails as this way you and your subordinate get an accurate reading on task emphasis which is often projected through body language and voice tones of communicating parties.  For more information, please order my book.