Thursday, October 21, 2021

Managing a Micromanager

Feel like your boss is constantly on your case? Here’s how to recognize a micromanager, cope with their behaviour, and help them change.

Guide Magazine

Whether on a construction site, at the nurses’ station, or behind the deli counter, if you constantly feel a set of eyes on you in your workplace, you may not be imagining things—you may be the victim of a micromanager.

A micromanager is a person who must always know what everyone on their team is doing and requires frequent status updates. According to a LinkedIn survey, 79 percent of employees have worked with a micromanager at least once.

This person could be your boss or employer, or it could be an overbearing coworker. Sometimes, their behaviour isn’t applied to the entire workplace but is instead focussed on only you or a coworker. Micromanagers aren’t always condescending or have malicious intent. They often want what is best for their team but have developed poor managerial habits.

In certain environments and for certain workers, micromanaging can be positive. Highly involved bosses push their workers to hit deadlines. Those who micromanage also tend to investigate a problem until they have achieved a satisfactory and effective solution.

Unfortunately, those are the best possible outcomes. Micromanaging can lead team members to become reliant on their manager’s guidance and not work independently. Workers who have experienced micromanaging may find themselves creatively stifled, disengaged, and demoralized.

5 Strategies to Help you Cope with a Micromanager

1. When they are obsessed with knowing everything – Micromanagers often require updates on the smallest tasks and will check in over and over again to get information you have already been providing. Request a weekly check-in with your manager where you can provide updates and bring attention to any challenges.

2. When they are afraid of losing control – Have you ever completed a task, only to have your boss redo your work? If so, you might be dealing with an ego-driven micromanager. An overactive ego can cause managers to schedule numerous meetings to go over the same material. They may also not be skilled in setting or communicating expectations to you in a constructive manner. This can leave you wondering whether you should get started on a task right away or await further instruction.

3. When they don’t trust you – If you feel you aren’t trusted or given the freedom to do your job well, your productivity and work quality can suffer. Believing that you must ask your boss for approval at every step of the process can hinder your performance and professional growth. Gently challenge your boss by asking what their concerns are, and request that multiple assignments be addressed in one meeting.

4. When they believe they know best – Humility is a trait that certainly benefits someone in a management position. Sadly, not all bosses possess it. Managers who believe they are smarter than everyone may make you feel you do not have room to develop and your contributions won’t be valued. Sharing knowledge is key to a productive workplace and can help you feel more confident in your role. But if your manager is constantly correcting you or reminding you of their education or skills, it will have the opposite effect.

5. Have an open conversation with your manager – Explain that you want feedback and describe what type of relationship you would like to have with them—one that is built on respect and trust. Use specific examples to illustrate what you mean. But if it becomes clear they aren’t going to change, it may be time for you to consider talking to your steward or representative.

Sources: forbes.com, indeed.com

Managing a Micromanager

5 Strategies to Help you Cope with a Micromanager

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