My new boss is nice but from a leader/manager perspective, she is a micromanager.

Anonymous

March 8,2023 at 1:13AM UTC

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My new boss is nice but from a leader/manager perspective, she is a micromanager. It is making my pull my hair out. I don't think she will change, not anytime soon, but I don't know how to talk to her about it. This is my first ever micromanager in my 20 year career! Any specific tips or success stories to give me hope that you are willing to share?

In her eyes, I am doing everything right giving her all the details she wants, having multiple repeat sessions, preparing time consuming materials/decks for even minor initiatives, but it is killing me slowly with anxiety when I have to bring a fairly complex topic to her (because she has no basic knowledge) that she must sign off on (some are just day to day work!) I have no autonomy and decision making authority despite being fairly senior in my position on her leadership team. I feel like a balloon deflating.

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AnonymousMarch 8,2023 at 12:38PM UTC
This is a style of management. It will not change. You can possibly get her to give you a bit more space if you tie the micromanagement to delays in deliverables and frustration with her process.
Susan Sims-PrittsMarch 8,2023 at 3:27PM UTC
Leave... as positively and professionally as possible!
MislynMarch 12,2023 at 4:37PM UTC
Anxiety is why I quit my last job. Some people just are not meant to be bosses. Arrogance and ignorance make for a bad boss and it sounds like you have one as well. Move on and find a job where you are appreciated. Best of luck to you.
Erin VegaMarch 29,2023 at 12:44AM UTC
I agree with the comments about looking for a new job as in my opinion as you will slowly start to become ill both mentally and physically, than you will dread Monday's (even more than usual), and than slowly start calling in sick just to get some relief.
But in the meantime to help you cope, be a DUCK! Let everything roll off your back.
AnonymousApril 3,2023 at 3:40PM UTC
Have a frank conversation with her. Let her know you need autonomy to do your best work. Show her how you are already meeting / exceeding expectations and that it hinders your performance when she micromanages. It probably also wastes a lot of her time, so you could ask her how much time she would get back / what she could get done if she left you alone to do your job.
This article might have some more helpful ways to approach this conversation:
https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-manage-a-micromanaging-boss
AnonymousApril 3,2023 at 11:03PM UTC
Following thread as I'm in the same predicament. It's probably best to cut your ties. Because more often than not, they've gotten this far (and in their role) due to that particular management style.
I do not endorse micro-management but I feel it would be very challenging for this person to change their ways. I also must imagine you're not the first person with this concern..
If your senior management/HR has no issue in the way they run your team, then you likely do not have a case here. It's very difficult to prove out micromanagement as a "workplace problem" since there is no formal process or HR policies that prohibit this behavior. Micro-management is typically ruled out as an individual's perception about their manager but it doesn't qualify has a legitimate problem, unfortunately.