Handling Micro-Managers

Learned Habits - Many managers get promoted for high performance. Now they’re expected to be more strategic but they fall back on what they know. It’s hard to remove themselves from day-to-day operations.
Need for Control - Control feels like stability, and can make us feel a sense of calm.
Lack of Trust - Without a strong foundation of trust, we often turn to command-and-control.
Low-context hiring processes - Sometimes poor communication leads to a poorly specced role. If the manager senses they’ve brought on someone without the right skills, poorly trained managers will instinctively tighten their control.

🧪 Experiments

Establish clear expectations when assigning tasks and projects.
Talk to the boss about their expectations and help them understand why micromanaging could be counter-productive.
When possible, provide regular updates on progress to allow the boss to feel comfortable and in control of the project.
Develop a strategy for working with the boss that allows for autonomy while still meeting the expectations of the boss.

Optimize 1:1 Communication	Communicate clearly & regularly with you boss about your work, progress, and any roadblocks you may be facing.
Set Milestones	Establish clear goals and expectations with your boss, and regularly check-in (and solicit feedback) to ensure you are meeting them.
Specific Feedback	Ask your boss for specific feedback on your work (a singular project, process, achievement, etc.) Use that feedback to improve, then check-in a few weeks or months later to see if improvement has been recognized.
Cadenced Communication	Provide boss with regular updates and reports about your work. Helps give them a sense of control without having to constantly check in on you.
Explore Underlying Causes of Behavior	Identify any underlying issues that may be causing your boss to micromange, such as lack of trust or a lack of communication, and working to address those issues.
Build Trust	Find ways to build trust with you manager, such as taking on additional responsibilities or demonstrating your competence and expertise.
	Show your boss that you are capable of handling your tasks independently and that you can be trusted to deliver quality work on time.