How to Handle Micro Managing Boss - easily

Hovering boss Micro Manager

MICROMANAGING hampers work in any field and in personal relationships can drive you crazy. If you have a boss that hovers and Micro Manages you then try these steps to improve your job situation.

Things You'll Need

• A PLAN

Instructions

1. 

   PERSONALITY - Don't take it personally. Micro-managers are generally Type A people with high expectations. They have problems with delegating out tasks without retaining control, because they feel like their job will be axed for any failure. They may fear losing their job or worse taking the company down if they are an owner.

2. 

   ASSESS SITUATION - Keep a diary for one week of areas where your boss tends to micromanage you. See if there is any justification and plan to take action to shore up weak areas. Choose the three behaviors done by boss that drive you nuts. Pick one to work on and work a plan to proactively deal with it.

3. 

   TALK - Many people will advise you to have a frank talk with your boss. Generally this does not go well. Type A personalities don't see anything wrong with what they do and seldom like to take critism in any form, especially from employees. If you do talk, mention YOUR strengths and how you work best. For example: "I work best uninterrupted between 8-9 as that is my prime get things done time."

   Be specific and keep focused on the goal of working efficiently. Give solutions whenever possible so you are not bringing a problem to your boss. For example, in addition to the above statement, add this: "I am going to hang a sign outside my door stating that I am unavailable from 8-9AM" and after that its "open door policy". Give a solution to any problem or need you have.

4. 

   The next 3 steps have to do with COMMUNICATION if nothing else follow these steps 4-6.
   Three things you can do to communicate your progress: ****************
   LEAD BY EXAMPLE - Instead of waiting for boss to ask your progress, set up a special Google calendar that your boss can access. Put your goals and progress on that calender. Outline strategic plans. Show it to your boss and ask him to use that to help add details to meetings and such.

5. 

   TOOT OWN HORN - "Wow, I made that deadline with two days to spare!" My DAD is the master of this. He will call almost daily with a cheeful, "Hey I'm up, went to donut shop, went to grocery store, then the bank, mowed the lawn and its only 8:30.". This is followed by "Sure get a lot done early, don't I?".

   Highlight YOUR accomplishments. Micro Mangers can move off onto the next project before savoring the victory of the last project well done. Make sure your boss knows what you have done well.

6. 

   Communicate - Send emails once or 2x a week. If your boss does better with phone calls then leave voice messages of progress on goals. Provide the project details to boss, BEFORE being asked about details. Anticipate situations and deal with them before it becomes problem for boss. Provide solutions to those situations you see coming. ASK boss if he/she sees anything missing or what he/she would like to see happen.

7. 

   If you follow all those steps and ask for regular written evaluation you will not only have improved job satisfaction and the situation but quite possibly avoid layoffs as your boss sees you now as a valuable addition to the team.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all emails

• If you can't get result consider moving up the ladder or taking sideways job move.

Resources

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