There are few work situations more frustrating than the constant pressure of a micromanager hovering over you and undermining your confidence and decision-making abilities. These micromanagers might ask for daily updates, rewrite your work, and question even the most insignificant decisions.
Micromanagement isn't a managerial style. It stems from insecurity and a lack of trust, and rarely from the performance of the employee. Regardless of its root cause, it's always challenging to deal with. Luckily, there are actionable strategies you can take to create boundaries and regain some of your autonomy.
Let's review three strategies you can take to get a micromanager off your back without affecting your work relationship and environment.
Understanding What Causes This Behavior
Most micromanagers act the way they do for a reason. Understanding the drivers of their behavior can help you react and respond strategically, and not out of frustration.
Some micromanagers fear that a mistake will reflect poorly on them. Others have been disappointed in past employees and have turned to overcorrecting to ensure it doesn't happen again. Another reason could be that they're dealing with pressure from leadership and are not confident enough to delegate.
Try observing some patterns to understand the reasons why your manager is hovering over you and second-guessing your every move. Check to see if they are micromanaging everyone or just you, whether they act more controlling under stress, and if the target of their fixation is on deadlines or details.
Communicate Proactively
To handle a micromanager, you can try meeting their need for control before they try to exert it. Proactive communication can reduce or limit their urge to over-manage your work.
One strategy is to send a weekly update before being asked, create a shared checklist that tracks your progress, make clear timelines of deliverables, and provide early notice of issues and delays. This should satisfy their need to micromanage and even make them feel like they are in more control, even though you're steering the wheel.
By reducing your manager's uncertainty, you can manage their micromanaging tendencies. This will allow you to retain control of your workflow while giving them the control they crave.
Set Professional Boundaries
While proactively communicating, you should set boundaries in a respectful way. This process doesn't have to be confrontational. It can even be collaborative and focused on solutions.
You need to frame your boundaries around productivity, not frustration or as an attempt to limit their control or power. When setting boundaries, you also need to demonstrate your competency and prove that you're reliable to manage yourself. Make sure you meet all deadlines, keep your word, and deliver work that adheres to the standard set by your manager.
Dealing with a micromanager is a toxic situation that will demoralize you quickly. However, this doesn't mean that you're powerless. Try to understand your manager's perspective, communicate proactively, and set healthy and professional boundaries. The reality is that most micromanagers aren't trying to make your job and life harder. Instead, they're most likely acting out of fear and might even be open to change..
