How to Approach Your Boss Regarding Micromanagement Without Risking Your Job was originally published on Ivy Exec.
Every employee likes to have some degree of control over their work. But, micromanagement is still a common issue in many workplaces. Some bosses control their employees’ work and want detailed progress on every small step.
If you have a micromanaging boss, you will have a hard time being creative. This issue can affect your growth and cause you to lose pride in your work. Micromanagement also often results in low employee morale and strained relationships.
Despite micromanagement being frustrating, it’s important to approach the issue cautiously. You don’t want your boss to think you are ungrateful or difficult. Besides, you must avoid coming off as insubordinate or arrogant. Here are some tips on handling the issue without risking your job.
✔ Try to Find Out Why Your Boss Is Micromanaging
As you plan to approach your boss, you should first try to determine why they are micromanaging. You may feel like they do this because they don’t trust you, but it may be due to other factors. For example, they may be dealing with stress due to pressure from their seniors. This can influence them to control their team more to ensure everything is perfect.
Your boss could also be a perfectionist who wants to regulate the quality of work. Another common reason for micromanagement is lacking confidence in their delegation skills. If your boss prefers or is used to working for themselves, they will have difficulty letting someone else handle tasks.
Once you determine where your boss is coming from, you’ll understand that their behavior doesn’t reflect your performance. This will help you approach them more empathetically.
✔ Determine If You Are Also Part of the Problem
Your work habits may be part of the reason why your boss micromanages. For example, if you often miss deadlines, they may want to follow up with you during each step. This issue could also arise if you rarely communicate about a project’s progress unless someone checks in.
One way to determine if you contribute to your boss’s micromanagement is by conducting a self-assessment. Do your teammates often remind you about approaching deadlines? Do they frequently complain about the quality of your work or your communication skills?
If you find out you’re part of the problem, know it will likely come up when you approach your boss. So, it would help to have some solutions in mind and a detailed improvement plan. For example, you can develop a practical work schedule to help you manage your workload. You may also start delivering work within deadlines to prove your reliability.
✔ Choose a Good Time to Approach Them
Your timing can significantly determine how your boss handles the conversation about micromanagement. They may be less receptive if they are in a crisis, and your discussion won’t have a good outcome. Approaching them when they’re swamped may also seem inconsiderate.
Instead of springing up the conversation on them, schedule a meeting. Let them know you’d like to discuss an issue and would appreciate it if they made time.
Taking this route makes you seem more professional and builds a good foundation for the conversation. Booking a private meeting also allows both of you to prepare mentally. This way, you’ll be calmer and can come up with long-term solutions quickly.
✔ Try to Stay Positive
You may be angry with your boss, but approaching them with the wrong tone can cause the conversation to go downhill quickly. Stay positive instead of accusing them of not trusting you or limiting your career growth.
Begin by showing gratitude for their support. Tell them you appreciate their attention and that the guidance they offer helps you overcome some barriers in your work.
After that, shift the focus on why you may need more control. For example, tell your boss you want to grow and do your job better. Inform them that being more independent will help you become efficient and productive.
You should also ask for their advice on taking more ownership of your projects. This will make them feel that you aren’t complaining but looking for feedback and a learning opportunity.
Using a positive approach when discussing micromanagement with your boss shows that you respect them. It reflects your interest in professional growth and desire to be more responsible. The right approach can prevent your boss from feeling as if you are attacking their management style or professionalism.
✔ Have Some Solid Examples
Your boss may not get the hint when you ask them to stop micromanaging you. So, it’s good to have some examples in mind so they can understand how their actions affect you.
For example, mention a case where they altered your work before you could complete it. After that, say that you would have preferred they let you finish and provide feedback later.
Giving your boss examples like this will help them see things from your perspective. They can acknowledge their mistakes and find better ways to oversee your work.
✔ Reassure Your Boss
When you discuss micromanagement with your boss, they might have some concerns. For example, they may worry that your projects will lag if they give you more control. They could also think you’ll quit or forward the issue to management in retaliation.
If your boss understands your concerns and promises to improve, reassure them. Inform them about your commitment to the team’s success. Besides, tell them your goal isn’t to risk their relationship with their seniors or other employees. Instead, you want to be part of a healthy workplace that allows everyone to thrive.
Another way to reassure your boss is by asking them to clarify what they expect from you. Ask them to provide detailed goals and timelines for when you should fulfill them. Request additional instructions to do your job more efficiently. This measure will give you a good idea of the standards they have in mind. It allows both of you to be on the same page moving forward to avoid constant supervision.
Achieve Job Satisfaction Without Risking Your Career
Talking about micromanagement with your boss can be intimidating when not done right. But using the discussed approaches, you can pass the message across without seeming disrespectful.
Further, you can set better boundaries with your boss and enjoy more creative control. The right approach ultimately protects your job and strengthens your relationship with your boss.
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