Stearns’ Post

Navigating the fine line: strategies for dealing with a micromanaging boss "The best way to get rid of a bad boss is to get a good job." - Liza Minnelli Micromanagement refers to a management style characterized by excessive control over the work of one's subordinates. This style is often marked by a focus on minute details, frequent monitoring, and a lack of trust in the abilities of team members. Dealing with a micromanager can be challenging, but there are effective strategies to navigate this situation. Here are some coping strategies: 1. Set firm boundaries - If you notice a micromanager trying to take over, set clear boundaries immediately. Politely assert your autonomy and communicate your limits. 2. Express impact - If the micromanager’s behaviour continues, express how their actions are affecting you. Focus on the impact rather than blaming them personally. 3. Understand their motivations - Micromanagers are often driven by fear, insecurity or lack of trust. Try to understand their perspective and empathize with their concerns. 4. Communicate proactively - Schedule regular meetings or emails to keep them informed about progress, milestones, and any issues that may arise. If you encounter a problem, don't wait for them to ask - proactively bring it to their attention and propose solutions. 5. Document everything - is essential for maintaining a paper trail and ensuring accountability. Take detailed minutes during meetings, including discussions, decisions, and action items. Maintain an organized file structure, both physical and digital, to store all records and documents. 6. Seek feedback - Seeking constructive criticism is a great way to gain valuable insights and improve your work! Be open-minded. Show that you're receptive to feedback and willing to learn from it. 7. Practice self-care - Manage stress, take breaks and maintain work-life balance. Stay calm and professional. Manage your emotions and reactions. 8. Stay organized - Keep track of progress, deadlines and tasks. Staying organized and on top of tasks, deadlines, and progress is crucial for achieving goals and reducing stress! Find the tools and techniques that work best for you and stick to them! 9. Look for areas of autonomy - Identify areas where you can make decisions. 10. Distance yourself - If their behaviour doesn’t change, consider distancing yourself emotionally. Focus on your work and maintain a professional demeanour. Remember, you deserve a healthy work environment and these strategies can help you navigate micromanagement effectively. Keep your cool, even when others are losing theirs! #Micromanagement #ManagementTechniques #WorkplaceWellbeing #CommunicationIsKey #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #HealthyWorkEnvironment #EmployeeEngagement #ThrivingAtWork

If you work long enough, you will have a micro-managing boss. They think they know your job better than you do. They focus on HOW you do your job instead of on the results you produce. They think that because you are doing your job differently than they would, you must be doing it incorrectly. Here are 7 strategies to manage a micromanaging manager.  1 – Diagnose the Situation – If they micro-manage others too, it’s probably them, not you. But if you are the only one being micro-managed, it is worth figuring out why. Perhaps your boss is just more interested in your job than others. Or perhaps, they think you need closer scrutiny. 2 – Channel their Energy – There is good news with having a micro-managing boss – they are highly engaged and interested in your work. Channel that energy the right way. Focus them on providing air cover and clearing obstacles that would help you get your job done. Ask for their help getting resources and building the relationships that will help you do your job. Preempt and target their nit-picking by asking them for their advice where you most want it. 3 - Focus on the Future - Shift the conversations with your manager from reviewing what you have done in the past to talking about what you plan to do in the future. Get their feedback ahead of time, when it will be most useful. You will also get their buy-in to your plans because you got their input early on. 4 – Build Trust through Transparency – Micro-managers are eventually going to ask for every detail in your work. Get ahead of the curve by keeping them informed of the biggest risks you see in your work. That not only gives them a chance to give their advice, it also makes them share that risk with you. 5 – Demand Feedback – It’s their job as a boss and it’s your right as a team member. Ask your micro-manager for frequent feedback. They are going to share their feedback eventually, so it is best for you to get it real time so you can act on it. 6 - Get Help - An executive coach or mentor can be a great resource to help you deal with a micro-manager. They can be a sounding board to help you identify the underlying issues with your boss. They can be a brainstorming partner to find strategies to fix them. Sometimes, they can just be a sympathetic ear to let you vent off frustration. 7 - Build Your Brand – Unfortunately, your situation with a micro-manager boss may not change. Some micro-managers just cannot help themselves. If they don’t move on, maybe you need to. Ideally you can find new opportunities in your existing organization. Treat every interaction with other leaders in your organization as a chance to impress them. Having a micro-manager is a frustrating rite of passage for many in the workplace. The most important lesson you can take from that experience is learning what micro-managing looks like and how it makes people feel. That way, you will avoid becoming a micro-manager yourself when you lead people. #LinkedInNewsEurope #Micromanager

"Help! My boss is a micromanager. What can I do?" (And if you have a Powerful Phrase for these moments, please share it in the comments.) We hear this question so often...and we also regularly hear from managers who say things like "I hate micromanaging, it's the worst. But there have been so many dropped balls and performance challenges - if I don't stay on top of this, it doesn't get done. But I would rather not have to be involved at this level." Today's Expert Insight from Scott Mautz in Chapter 18 of Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict gets us started. Let's start with you - if you feel like your supervisor is micromanaging, there are two big possibilities: 1) Your manager isn't micromanaging - she might be trying to help you succeed in ways that aren't happening right now. 2) You're doing well overall and your manager is micromanaging. Here are a couple phrases to help you figure out what's going on. These are questions to ask yourself: "How am I doing, really? Can I document my success?" Be honest. What does the data say? How does your performance look from their view? "Is it just me or everyone?" When there's a widespread pattern of controlling behavior, it's more likely you have a micromanager. "Has something significant changed?" If the behavior's new, there might be a new source of stress. (Which isn't an excuse for poor behavior, but does you give the ability to improve your working relationship.) And if it does look like true micromanagement, you can use Scott's words to open a conversation. Here are some others: "I've noticed that...[you've asked for this report six times in the past 24 hours and we'd agreed on a 5 pm delivery today]" Use this phrase to reference the facts and call attention to what's happening. Avoid interpretation or labeling it micromanagement. Just the facts. "Is there something I missed? Do you have a concern about...?" Show up with curiosity to get their perspective. Sometimes they'll apologize. Other times you'll learn about a source of stress or anxiety that's driving the behavior. Then you can move to a solution: "I'm hearing you need ____ How about I commit to _____. Will that work?" Commit to a clear plan of action that you can both agree to. With this approach, you’ll either learn about your manager’s performance concerns and how to be more effective—or you’ll help the two of you navigate an improved relationship that enhances both of your lives. And yes, with a couple of these conversations, you’ll also discover if you’re working with a manager who you’ll never satisfy or who doesn’t want to stop micromanaging. When this happens, you have a foundation for making other career decisions. We'd love to hear from you: What's YOUR Powerful Phrase for dealing with micromanagement? #PowerfulPhrases #micromanager #conflict #books #managingup Karin Hurt Let's Grow Leaders HarperCollins Leadership

🔍How to Survive (and Thrive!) Under a Control Freak Boss Does your boss make checking your email feel like defusing a bomb? 💣 Do you spend more time explaining your decisions than actually making them? If you constantly feel like you're working under a microscope, you're probably dealing with a Micromanaging Micromanager. These bosses, while often well-intentioned, can strangle your creativity, zap your motivation, and turn even the simplest task into a bureaucratic nightmare. But fear not, weary worker! Here's your survival guide for navigating a micromanaging minefield: 1. 🧠 Understanding the "Why" Micromanagers often micromanage for a reason. Perhaps they lack trust in their team's abilities, or maybe they have a deep-seated fear of failure. A little empathy can go a long way. 2. 🛑 Setting Boundaries, Respectfully A key first step is establishing healthy boundaries. Have a calm conversation with your boss about your preferred work style. Do you thrive with clear deadlines and periodic check-ins, or do you prefer more autonomy? 3. 💬 Communication is Key Don't wait for your boss to micromanage – take the initiative! Keep them informed of your progress through regular updates (but not hourly play-by-plays). This builds trust and demonstrates your competence. 4. 💡 Focus on Solutions (Not Just Problems) Anticipate their concerns. If you foresee a potential roadblock, propose solutions in advance. This shows proactive problem-solving and reduces the need for micromanagement. 5. 📝 Document Everything Keep a record of completed projects, approved decisions, and positive feedback. This becomes your shield when micromanagement spirals out of control. 6. 🤝 Remember, You're Not Alone Micromanaging bosses are more common than you think. Talk to colleagues who might be dealing with similar situations. Sharing experiences and strategies can be a source of support. 7. 🚪 The Ultimate Escape Plan If all else fails, and the micromanagement reaches soul-crushing levels, it might be time to consider your options. Talk to HR or explore other opportunities where your talents can flourish without constant scrutiny. Don't let a micromanaging boss steal your confidence and creativity! Use these tips to communicate effectively, showcase your competence, and reclaim your work experience. Remember, a good leader empowers you, not controls you. Fight for your autonomy and build a career where you can shine! ✨ #ccpc #micromanagement #leadership #careeradvice #workplaceculture #professionaldevelopment

Micromanagement tends to roll down. Everybody works one level lower than they should—this is the cascade of micromanagement. Your boss’s boss meddles in your boss’s work; your boss does your work; and you do your report’s work; and so on. If you’ve ever refurbished your house, you would know that tradesmen have a pecking order. The architect will command more than the contractor who charges more than the electrician who asks for more than the plumber who asks for more than the painter. If each of these guys worked one level lower than they should, you’ve got two problems at hand. 1️⃣You’re overpaying the whole lot of them. Across the board. They’re advertising a certain grade of services and delivering a grade or more lower. Their work satisfaction aside, you’re overpaying them. 2️⃣You think you’ve it all covered but you’re missing the captain of the team. There’s a hole at the top. The leveling down in such an organization has to start at the very top. The boss of all bosses—the CEO?—has to take charge. They have to step back and raise their gaze to the level they should be. Where they have been sucked into mouse vision, they have to lift themselves to eagle vision. Sometimes, though, there’s one managerial layer somewhere in the hierarchy that is the cause of this micromanagement malaise. Someone somewhere in the chain likes to run a tight ship; they have taken an interest in the minutiae of their reports’ work. Even then, I would argue, it is the job of the micromanaging manager’s boss or someone further up the chain to spot the problem and take corrective action to stop the cascade from rolling downhill. You probably have heard career advice that says that as a boss you should work to make yourself redundant. You should groom your reports to take over your job so that you can do your boss’s job, and so on. That is well-intentioned but approach with caution. Look around you first. Does your org structure and culture allow it? You first have to play the game that is being played around you. If you play it well and you’re lucky, you’ll get to play the game you want to. *Link to full article in the comments* #micromanagement #curiosityovercertainty

Fantastic insights here from Mostyn Wilson! 🙌 Micro-management doesn’t just stifle creativity; it can also drain engagement and morale. This piece offers some valuable tips on shifting the mindset and engaging in constructive conversations to address challenges in a more professional and empowering way. Another idea is to consider using strategy execution or OKR software, which can reduce the need for micro-management. It gives leaders the visibility and transparency they need to track team progress and performance while allowing employees to see for themselves how their work directly impacts overall strategic business goals. Knowing they're actually making a difference with all their hard work is very motivating! Win:win! 🚀 #leadership #OKRs #teamsuccess #employeeengagement

Managing your boss—often referred to as “managing up”—is an art form that requires finesse, empathy, and strategic thinking. While it may seem challenging, mastering this skill can significantly impact your effectiveness at work. Eight ways to navigate the delicate dance of managing your boss. 1. First, Understand Your Boss: Before attempting to manage your boss, take the time to understand them. Consider the following aspects: Goals and Objectives: What are their priorities? What outcomes do they seek? Pressures and Issues: What challenges do they face? What keeps them up at night? Strengths and Weaknesses: Recognize their areas of expertise and where they might need support. Preferred Workstyle: How do they communicate? Are they detail-oriented or big-picture thinkers? Remember, understanding your boss is the foundation for effective management. 2. Don’t Try to Be a Transformer: Accept that your boss is human, just like you. Rather than focusing on their limitations, build on their strengths. Just as you wouldn’t expect your team members to be perfect, recognize that your boss has both assets and blind spots. Embrace their strengths and find ways to complement them. 3. Build on Strengths: Identify your boss’s unique abilities and leverage them. If they excel at strategic thinking, involve them in high-level discussions. If they’re great at building relationships, collaborate on networking opportunities. Align their strengths with organizational needs. 4. Focus Strengths on What Matters: Help your boss channel their strengths toward critical initiatives. If they’re a fantastic communicator, encourage them to lead important presentations. If they have a knack for problem-solving, involve them in solving complex challenges. 5. Find Out What Works: Observe how your boss prefers to operate. Do they appreciate concise emails or detailed reports? Are they more responsive in one-on-one meetings or group settings? Adapt your communication style accordingly. 6. Build a Strong Relationship: Invest time in building rapport. Regular check-ins, casual conversations, and shared interests can strengthen your bond. Remember, a positive relationship fosters trust and collaboration. 7. Avoid Overload and Time Wasting: Set healthy boundaries. Politely decline unnecessary meetings or tasks that don’t align with your priorities. Be assertive about protecting your time while respecting theirs. 8. Expand Your Network: Don’t limit your interactions to your immediate boss. Build relationships with other leaders, colleagues, and stakeholders. A broader network provides insights, support, and alternative perspectives. Managing your boss isn’t about manipulation; it’s about creating a win-win situation. Remember, just as a skilled artist balances colors on a canvas, you can balance relationships and outcomes in the workplace. Happy managing! 😊 #bossmanagement

How to handle your micromanaging Boss In the workplace, many a times, some bosses seem to micromanage their staff, this may have both positive and negative effects. However, this post is targeted to give a glimpse of how to handle your boss that is a micromanager. Below are steps that can be taken: 1. Understand the reason behind the nature of your micromanaging boss, is he/she doing this as a result of lack of trust in your competence and skill or is it from a place of insecurity. If you discover that it is from a place of lack of trust in your incompetence, then you should work on improving yourself, sign up for courses and ask questions when given a task to execute. 2. Establish boundaries and expectations with your boss, firmly but politely make it clear that you can handle the job to be executed and that you'll prefer handling the task independently. 3. Get your job done in an excellent manner and promptly too, try to avoid procrastination and excuses for not doing the task. 4. Demonstrate your competence so as to get your boss to believe more in you 5. Don't take your boss' micromanaging nature personal, he/she is doing this just for the job to be done and not because of your personality. In all you do, seek to grow and excellence should be your goal. . . I give workplace tips to help Professionals Performance, Competence and Communication. #professional #mindset #micromanager #growth #growthmindset

So, Your New Boss Is a Micromanager… Building a relationship with a new boss can feel daunting—especially if they’re a micromanager. But there are strategies you can use to improve your relationship and regain autonomy at work. 🔍 Understand Your Boss’s Intentions Are they naturally detail-oriented and conscientious? Maybe they’re genuinely trying to help or are simply new to management. If you think they have good intentions, you may be able to improve your collaboration. 🤔 Self-Reflect  Evaluate your own performance. Are there patterns that might justify your boss’s scrutiny? Addressing any issues head-on can reduce micromanagement moving forward. 🗣️ Seek Feedback Talk to your boss about your performance and working relationship. To identify your manager’s priorities, ask open-ended questions like, “What can we do differently to ensure you’re confident in my progress?” 📊 Be Consistent and Reliable Adapt to your boss’s expectations and preferred communication methods—and keep them informed of your progress on work. This will build trust and gradually reduce their need to check-in. 🧘♀️ Develop Coping Mechanisms Separate personal feelings from professional interactions. Focus on the positive elements of your job and preserve boundaries. And if all else fails, consider seeking a new role where you can thrive free of micromanagement. Building a better relationship with a micromanaging boss takes effort, but with these strategies, you can create a more productive and positive work environment.