My manager has just changed and am looking for tips on how to deal with a micromanaging boss.

23 Comments

1. AnonymousApril 2,2024 at 5:36AM UTC

   I have had managers in the past like this and have found success in doing what they ask. If possible, "overwhelm" them with evidence that you know your job. Make them feel comfortable with the questions you imagine their boss will ask them about their direct reports. Often, with people like this, once they feel that you are competent in your role, they back off and just ask for what they really need to do their job. This has happened several times in my career, so I would say to try this first as your initial approach.

   If that approach doesn't work: One time I had a supervisor like this and that approach didn't work. I spoke with a mentor who knew me well, and we concluded that after the supervisor saw my success, he concluded that he shouldn't have hired me and should have done the job himself. Well, I managed to hang in there - fortunately, the organization changed locations and it was even farther away from my home than the original location. This situation was in a school, so there was a summer break, and ironically, even despite my telling them that the distance was a non-starter for me, they wanted me back! Lol! Sometimes you can't tell by their actions what they are thinking!

   Wishing you well in your situation!

2. AnonymousApril 3,2024 at 4:12PM UTC

   Ask them why? Ask them what specifically they want to know from you in communication with others that might be causing concern as this has not been requested before. You might suggest a weekly report with updates from you. That might short circuit this request immediately so come to the meeting with a "template" in excel or word that could be helpful for what they need. Yes, it will be more work for you but perhaps this is how they intend to understand and learn how you work. You should also in your 1-1 with them let them know what you need from them and let them know how you get direction and information best. Ask them how you can meet their expectations and what you need to do to give them information that they need. Not all new manager relationships work in alignment and if you cannot find a place to work in similar ways with them you may have to consider a move somewhere else. Good luck.

3. AnonymousApril 4,2024 at 12:12PM UTC

   Run! Start looking for a new job. It's just going to get worse. (Personal experience)

4. Focused931221April 4,2024 at 1:15PM UTC

   A new manager doesn't have to be a negative experience. I was once a new manager and I too asked to be cc'd on all correspondence as a way to get caught up to speed. New job, new organization, new everything and there's also a lot of expectations to perform. This could be a great time for your build a great professional relationship with your new manager. If you've been in your role a while, and you believe there are areas of improvement, this would be your time to shine. I see it as an opportunity to learn and grow every time there is a new manager. You never know... they might just be your next best advocate to advancing your career. Good luck!

5. Barbara PutisApril 4,2024 at 2:11PM UTC

   Agreed, give it time - new manager may just be trying to get up to speed.

6. Lisa BabbApril 5,2024 at 2:13PM UTC

   Awesome response. I think labeling a new manager to the team as micromanaging is a bit harsh unless you know of a history of micromanaging by this person from previous roles. Even then, it could have been the team, role, or upper their upper management causing them to be that way. My suggestion would be to give the new manager some grace and allow them to settle in for a time and then re-evaluate.

7. AnonymousApril 4,2024 at 1:21PM UTC

   This was me a year and a half ago. Get your resume together and find a new job. It’s only going to get worse.

8. Joann S. LublinApril 4,2024 at 3:09PM UTC

   I endorse what other commentators have recommended. But here's one more step after you've followed their advice: Ask for a performance review sooner than usual (i.e. after three or six months with the new manager). Make sure you keep close track of your various accomplishments during that time period -- especially goals you exceeded or reached sooner than possible. Once you emerge from the review with flying colors, you're in a better position to negotiate less micro-management. Let us know how it goes and good luck!

9. Cathy UdvApril 4,2024 at 4:27PM UTC

   Maybe they are just trying to understand what you do and how you do it. I had a manager change once and my location and methods were different than the person in a similar position at his other location. Whenever he asked me about something , I would acknowledge why it might seem unusual, explain my process and ask how her would like me to handle in the future.

   he would remind me to communicate in advance so they would know what I was doing but otherwise he would tell me to continue what I was doing

10. AnonymousApril 5,2024 at 12:23PM UTC

    I worked really well with a micromanager. Key is understanding the true motive. For the good experience, motive was desire to succeed in political environment. I used micromanager as shield and ran everything by the person. In another situation, motive was insecurity combined with not taking accountability. I ran from there as soon as possible.

11. AnonymousApril 5,2024 at 12:30PM UTC

    Without knowing more about the situation, maybe he or she feels a little dropped into the situation and isn’t sure about who does what and how and with who.

    And maybe rather than hovering over everybody’s desks this is probably the easiest way for him or her to do that?

    I would ask. Sometimes the easiest way to solve a problem is to ask a question.

12. Sonja StreuberApril 5,2024 at 12:43PM UTC

    Is the manager trying to learn more about the issues and how they are usually handled, who the main players are, etc.?

13. Lisa BabbApril 5,2024 at 12:51PM UTC

    Since the person is new to the position, I wouldn't necessarily call it micromanagement to be included in CCs of emails. This is a way for the person to gain knowledge of how you operate and the other people involved in the communications. I got a new manager about 2 years ago after being in my role for a couple of years. He also asked to be CCd in my emails. Once he got a feel for how things worked he asked to be dropped from everything unless it was something he needed to know about and make decisions about. I've had other managers do the same thing. So, I'd be careful about labeling someone as micromanaging when they've just started. If this continues after say 6 months then it is quite possible they are. I'd say give them some grace and let them settle into the job before bailing. They may turn out to be the best boss and let you do your thing.

14. Julie WozniakApril 5,2024 at 1:53PM UTC

    100% agree with this. Trust is built over time, and this is a brand new relationship.

15. AnonymousApril 5,2024 at 1:17PM UTC

    first day , asking for CC's on emails, and you are calling this person "micromanaging"? Please give him or her a chance to get to know the team! Good luck!

16. Milissa JacobsApril 5,2024 at 1:59PM UTC

    Your idea of micromanaging sounds to me like someone who is trying to immerse themselves in the team and get up to speed.

17. Lomaxruiter@yahoo.comApril 5,2024 at 4:18PM UTC

    My view is that asking to be CC’d isn’t micromanaging. Asking to review messages before they are sent is micromanaging.

18. MislynApril 5,2024 at 4:28PM UTC

    Look for another job.

19. AnonymousApril 5,2024 at 5:07PM UTC

    If you feel micromanaged already, start looking for a new job.

20. M BApril 5,2024 at 5:27PM UTC

    When I've had micro-managers as supervisors, I learned to beat them to the punch.

    Set up a system to keep them informed of your productivity so they don't feel the need to check on you all the time. Maybe it is an email at the end of each day or information entered into a shared document.

    Eventually, most of them realize that you are doing what you need to do and they move on to the next person.

21. AnonymousApril 5,2024 at 9:52PM UTC

    I had the same experience back in 2021. Started exactly like yours did - she wanted to be cc’d on every email regardless of how insignificant. I felt smothered. I’d have to disagree with most responses here that this is normal behavior. It’s not and you’d be wise to trust your gut and keep your eyes open to other opportunities. I hate to say that but in my situation it got exponentially worse and I had to leave a job I loved. In short, this behavior displays a lack of trust - I’m sure she has other responsibilities on her plate that she could focus on. Managing and controlling are two very different things. Best of luck to you - trust your gut, and look out for yourself above all.

22. AnonymousApril 7,2024 at 3:23PM UTC

    I can't stand a micromanager!!!

23. AnonymousApril 6,2024 at 12:16PM UTC

    Your new boss isn't micromanaging; they want to be kept in the loop as to what is happening in their department. If you have a problem with this, do your boss a favour and leave.

    Bosses have every right to know what their employees are doing.