How to handle a micromanaging boss

by Jen (May 8, 2008)

There are diligent bosses who keep on top of everything and know what everyone’s working on at any given moment, and then there are micromanagers: the bosses who actually slow companies down by interrupting people for progress updates more often than necessary. The first type of boss can be very effective. The second is sabotaging both himself and you with interruptions that, despite their work relevance, are no more helpful than if he came over every five minutes to tell you about what was on TV last night.

If you’re working with a micromanager, the first step in improving that relationship is to understand why he’s that way. In my experience, most micromanagers are perfectionists and control freaks who are afraid everyone will let them down if they relinquish any control. They are not particularly happy - how can you be when you think you have to control the whole world or it will fall apart on you?

Most of them, fortunately, are not mean people. They’re not just doing it to get on your nerves. They’re doing it because they don’t get how counter-productive it is, and they don’t understand that you’re willing to pull your weight. (I’m assuming you are, because if you’re not, then you’re in the wrong, too.)

In an ideal world, someone above the would notice and let them know to back off. Unfortunately, sometimes it falls to you, the underling. Here’s what I suggest:

• Once you learn the sort of questions they ask you during these interruptions, give them the answers every day before they ask for them. Put them all in an email, or a voicemail, or drop by their office. That way you control the interruptions, and hopefully that will give them enough confidence in your diligence to leave you alone.
• If that doesn’t work, get together with other employees who are annoyed by this behavior and tell your boss together, in a friendly manner, that the constant checking is slowing down your progress, not keeping you motivated.
• If there are no other employees you can join forces with, try talking to another manager. Aim for someone your boss feels comfortable with so it doesn’t feel like an attack.
• Talk to the person who handles human resources issues in your company. Let them know what’s going on and see what they suggest.
• Get transferred to another part of the company to avoid dealing with this person.

Some micromanagers can’t change, even when they want to. They may have a form of OCD or something that really makes it difficult for them to control the behavior. If that’s the case, you have to decide whether it’s worth learning to live with or whether you’d prefer to find another job. (If he shows no inclination to change, or takes it as an attack when you try the above steps, I would suggest looking elsewhere, as this is not someone who’s interested in being a team player.)

If it’s worth learning to live with, follow the above steps. If your boss is trying but failing to change, at least by now you should both be able to joke about it which may help relieve the tension. If you get to the point where you tease him about his interruptions, the situation may be more bearable - and he may eventually learn that you’ve got his back.

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