TOAST.Is asking for progression updates really micromanaging?
Controversial topic since it's so normalized, but I would say yes and it depends on the employee/if they're reliable or not. If updates are not needed other than to make the manager feel good inside, then yes, it's micromanaging. There's no purpose to ask unless the response you will receive will require an action. Context is important and of course more complex, different things may need regular updates, but soliciting those updates outside of regular intervals is annoying.
My point was if you assign a task and request to have it back by a specific date, then there should be no need to check in prior to then. If you trust your employees and have confidence they will complete the task, then a check-in is inefficient and a waste of communication time. Employees should reach out if assistance is needed or if they realize that the deadline is possible to be missed.
I realize not all people are reliable or have the confidence to let someone know they're off schedule. It's fucking annoying to those of us who get shit done.