Are You Working For A Micro-Manager?

Are you feeling like you’re locked in a glass-jar with no room to move? Feeling like you can’t really contribute anything meaningful at work because you’re never given enough leeway to show what you’re capable of? You may be working for a micro-manager.

The term “Micro-Manager” gets thrown around a lot. To be honest, we probably all have some traits that could be labelled as “controlling” or “micro-managing”. So what are the particular behaviors that make us believe we are dealing with a micro-manager? And if this is your situation, what are you supposed to do about it?

 

So what kind of behaviors constitute micro-managing?

There is no guidebook or classification manual (that I am aware of) that defines that a person must display X-number of behaviors from a pre-defined list in order to be classified as a micro-manager. What is more likely is that you will see a mix of behaviors, some that are usually more evident than others. Examples may include:

• They often re-do work and put their slant on it, without actually changing the meaning. I’m talking stylistic changes that don’t change the content or value of the work.
• They usually can’t let go, so will ask for constant updates on work progress.
• The word “delegation” isn’t in their dictionary. They often take on all the challenging projects themselves, overloading their own personal workload because they don’t trust anyone else will do it right.
• When work is handed over, it is often with detailed instructions. There is no room left to “fill in the gaps” or show any initiative. 

 

The inherent danger of micro-managing.

The problem inherent with micro-managing behavior is the impact it has on employees. Truth be told, it’s not easy to work for a micro-manager! There are very few personality-types who respond well to being so closely managed. More typically it will either:

1. Lead to high levels of frustration and disharmony within a team which ultimately pollutes a work environment;
2. Or, create disengagement, withdrawal and a lack of giving any f**k at all from employees.

Either way, a micro-managed team or employee will not be creative, productive, loyal or engaged for long. You will likely get high levels of turnover, a bitchy team culture and plummeting levels of confidence.

 

So how do you cope with a micro-manager?

Working for a micro-manager requires a great level of patience. Ultimately, the manager will need to change their behavior if there is hope that your work situation will improve.

If however you are stuck with a micro-manager here are three things that may help:

• Look for an appropriate opportunity to discuss your perceived lack of autonomy with your manager. Often micro-managers are not aware of how damaging their behavior is, or that they are even doing it. Don’t assume they are a bad person! They may just be lacking self-awareness. Obviously you want to be careful how you approach this. A good way to start is to ask for some more leeway in designing or delivering a project or piece of work. Also offer ideas and new solutions rather than waiting to be asked for your input.
• If you feel it is appropriate, it may be worth discussing your difficulties with your manager’s leadership style with another senior leader. Another leader may be able to give you advice how to best deal with the situation within your organizational culture and context. No organization or workplace culture is the same so the benefit of inside knowledge cannot be overlooked.
• If you’ve already decided that this is not a long-term position for you, don’t fight the battle. Going with the flow and being sure to not take unjustified criticism personally should be the most important thing. Searching for another job will help keep your spirits up.

The stress working for a micro-manager causes cannot be underestimated. If you aware you are in this situation you should take care to ensure it does not undermine your confidence in yourself. Ultimately, we can only control ourselves. Try not to take the behavior personally, and look for ways to actively keep your spirits high while at work.

 

Hi. I’m Kate Snowise, and Thrive.How is my business-baby. I’m a kickass Life & Well-Being Coach who helps people who want the good stuff out of life, get it. I have an MSc in Psychology (the happy kind of psychology that concentrates on what is right with you). I offer individual coaching and personality assessment to help people clarify their thinking, grow into their potential, reconnect with themselves and regain balance.  Click here to learn more.