How to Survive a Micromanager

 
Few things kill motivation faster than having someone constantly looking over your shoulder. It makes you feel like you can’t be trusted to do your own job, and it often slows everything down rather than speeding it up.

The truth is, most micromanagers don’t mean to be difficult. They are usually stressed, under pressure, or simply worried about mistakes. That does not make it any less frustrating, but it does mean there are ways to work with them without losing your sanity.

Here are three practical things you can try to create some breathing space and get the trust you need to do your best work.

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Three Ways To Survive a Micromanaging Boss

1. Give updates before they ask

Micromanagers crave control, and that usually means constant check-ins. Beat them to it by providing proactive updates.

Try:

• Sending a short weekly summary of progress

• Flagging problems early with suggested solutions

• Sharing timelines so they know what’s coming next

If your boss feels well informed, they'll often have less desire to jump in and take over every step of the process - and you can gain back some sanity and control over your own workload. 

2. Ask what “finished” really means

Micromanagers often dive in because they are unclear about the end result. Get them to define success upfront so you can hit the target without endless revisions.

Ask:

• What does a successful outcome look like here?

• Is there a format or example you would like me to follow?

• What’s the most important thing to get right?
  
  

Clarity reduces the chances of them jumping in halfway through and gives you a clear understanding of what needs to be done and when to provide updates. 

3. Build trust one task at a time

The more reliable you are, the less they will feel the need to check your work. Start with small wins and build up.

• Deliver on time consistently

• Follow through on promises

• Show you understand their priorities

Over time, you create a track record that says, “You don’t need to watch me, I’ve got this.” Be patient but make sure they are reminded that you can be trusted and that you have delivered before (and will deliver again). 

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Two Quotes To Reflect On For The Week Ahead

“Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.”
- Stephen R. Covey

“Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.”
- Aristotle 

Meme of The Week