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Symptoms of Micro-Managers:

• Highly Controlling – wants to oversee every aspect of the work
• Power-Hungry – enjoys “flexing muscles” to ensure everyone knows s/he is the boss
• Makes all the decisions – no matter how minor

Why are They Like This?

• Insecurity – may be unsure of their own ability in the job
• Power-crazed – may use their position to feel self-important
• Perfectionist – may need every aspect of the job to be as close to perfect as possible
• Not a Leader – may have been a great individual contributor, but has moved to a leadership role without requisite training

What Can I Do About It?

1. Upward Manage

• Schedule and structure one on one meeting times with your boss
• Determine what is most important to him/her, and contribute to those priorities
• Talk about what you plan to do in the coming week, and get feedback in advance
• Don’t ever surprise your boss

2. Get a Performance Agreement

• Define boundaries of authority.
• Agree on a work plan that defines outcomes and methods
• Agree on the top 3 – 7 priorities
• Link your performance goals clearly to your bosses goals

3. Learn to Say “No”

• Always say “Yes” before saying “No”
• Acknowledge their position as the boss
• Refer to your Performance Agreement
• If you think a request is unreasonable, try to negotiate.  Educate him/her as to the nature of the request
• Describe the impact a request may have on you without complaining
• Carefully manage your tone

Learn Even More About ‘My Boss is a Micro Manager’

Wily Manager members, click here to access the members-only area for this topic (you must be logged in).  In the members-only area, you can:

• Listen to the ‘My Boss is a Micro-Manager’ Podcast (15 minutes)
• Download the ‘My Boss is a Micro-Manager’ Audio (mp3)
• Download the ‘My Boss is a Micro-Manager’ Slides (ppt)
• Print or save the ‘My Boss is a Micro-Manager’ Cheat Sheet (pdf)
• Click through to Related Topics:
  • Help! I’m a Micro Manager
  • How to Manage Up Without Brown Nosing
  • Top 10 Manager Challenges: Part A (Managing Conflict)

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Become a Wily Manager member and get instant access to even more information about My Boss is a Micro-Manager.  And don’t forget to sign up for our FREE Management Cheat Sheet Collection