6 How-to Tips for Managing a Micromanaging Boss
Evelyn is repeating the same complaint about her boss told many times before by others who work in the corporate world. He “micromanages.” What can she do about it?
In the past, I hesitated with telling my boss my concerns out of fear I’d lose my job. Solution: always have a cushion of savings in your account as a fallback. You never want to feel so dependant on your job so that you cannot leave it if you need to, or in the event you are downsized or fired. Assuming you have that cushion, you can approach your boss in this way…
1. Don’t assume their “micromanaging” is a direct reflection of their belief that you are incompetent and need and require supervision. Chances are this is their style and you have to learn how to work effectively within it. They are adjusting to your style as well.
2. Ask for a time to talk. In fact with all supervisors, try to arrange regular feedback sessions if they’re not already offered.
3. Start the conversation with what is working well. Look for even the smallest thing to acknowledge them for in how they manage you and how it makes a difference in your work. a. your work performance and/or b. your attitude and confidence and/or c. your approach to solving a problem.
4. Be specific about your request for flexible, independent work. Let them know how it makes you feel to be trusted and respected in your decisionmaking.
5. Promise regular feedback periods and then keep to them, including following the manner in which they like to receive these progress updates.
6. Continue to look for ways to acknowledge and support them for what they do that works for you.
What do you do to maintain a good relationship with your boss?
Tags: employer communication, good employer relationship, micromanaging boss, Women Managers, your boss
June 13th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
It seems like I’ve done the things you’re talking about, but maybe not. That is, I’ve tried to accept my boss’s style, but she drives me nuts at times. I think she knows she’s not well-respected by most people in the office and that’s made me feel a little more compassionate with her. I also know I haven’t felt confident enough to always tell her what’s on mind, but maybe she would appreciate that feedback if done in the way you’re talking about. Thanks. (submitted verbally and typed in by CAW)
June 13th, 2007 at 10:47 am
I have tried a lot of things with my boss and it doesn’t work as smoothly as I’d like. It seems two of the other people I work with also have problems with my boss. So at least I know it’s not personal. I try not to get frustrated, but the more I take pride in my work and do well, the more it seems my boss trusts my judgement.
June 13th, 2007 at 11:15 am
My boss is always looking at everything I do and criticizing it. So much, that I’ve thought about leaving my job. I guess I’ll try to see what else can be done to fix the relationship, since I like the work itself. If not, I guess I’ll leave.
June 13th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
I have trouble with my boss looking over my shoulder, but I have worked hard on accepting that’s who she is and I politely let her know when I need my space to get my job done and I am surprised it works, but it does.
June 23rd, 2007 at 7:35 pm
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December 20th, 2010 at 5:17 am
[...] Young Professional – Helicopter Parents can Segue Into Micro-Managing Bosses very easily. http://creatingatwill.com/blog/2007/06/your-boss/ This in turn hurts your confidence in your own abilities. If such an action occurs in front of a [...]