best way to deal with a micro manager?

i am in a situation where i have a micro -managing boss. i am a solid performer with glowing performance evals. however, my boss can't seem to stop injecting himself into processes which in turn suffer due to his meddling. he tends to do this when the stakes are high and his insecurities take over. whats the best way to make him feel secure enough to give me the breathing room to make things happen. imagine a coach that runs onto the field and shows up in the backfield after the snap trying to ensure the play gets executed correctly. what to do...

Post Comment | 7 Comments | Story Date:2008-08-04 | Share Advice

I could be considered a micor manager. We just want people to be productive and on top of their jobs! My first cycnical thought was; "did you add this story while you were at work on the clock?"

 Rate It |Comment Date:2008-08-13

I think this might just be in his nature...some people are just that way, kind of like an over-protective mother. It sounds like you are succeeding quite well on your own, but maybe just "let him" stay involved and feel like he is doing a good job mentoring you? I know this isn't the greatest advice, but if he sees that you come to him or ask his opinion, maybe he will actually start to lay off because he is more comfortable that he can rely on you. Kind of like a reverse psychology thing. Keep up the good work!

 Rate It |Comment Date:2008-08-07

I was in the same situation and talked to an HR friend of mine. -Understand what the micro's agenda or hidden agenda is. i.e. know your enemies better than your friends. Help your boss reach their agenda and goals. -Initiate conversation to understand goals & deadlines. Than over-communicate with updates & timeframes on projects etc. -Verify & re-verify goals & priorities. Via email with documentation is a good idea. -Do not provide the environment to be caught doing something wrong. So follow procedures etc. -Communicate with high performers to benchmark or best practice with them. -Emulate verbiage they use in conversation -You will have disagreements so choose your battles! If this does not work, google an article by Jeff Wuorio “8 ways micro-managers can cure themselves” and leave it on his/her desk or mail to them. You may add 5 years to their life and yours!

 Rate It |Comment Date:2008-08-11

Set up a meeting with your boss. Ask him if indeed you are perfomring strong. If so, let the person know you need some freedom. Do not fool yourself, you still need to "manage the manager", let them know you understand they want you to be successfull so set up an update system. Email udates are the best. They will not leave you alone unless they know things are running smoothly. Type "A" do not sleep unless they are informed.

 Rate It |Comment Date:2008-08-13

Yes, keep the micro manager posted and do not go above them. They are insecure,stressed out and than this in turn stresses everyone. Send updates that are short and sweet. This person wants to be sure of successes and they want to create the perception that it is due to their management skills that the company is successful. Always my worst situation when I report to a micro. Hang in there! I hope this helps, the one message from the person where HR gave assistance was very helpful for me.

 Rate It |Comment Date:2008-08-13

I work in a bureaucratic environment. My executive is sweating the 'sh*t' outa me! I feel I can't take it anymore! Hen-pecking and needling me over all kinds of small stuff! Work I delegate, she's bringing it back to me and needling me about it! I am an excellent worker, and even the work of my direct supervisor she's bringing to me to do!! She nags me before work hours and after work hours. Help!

 Rate It |Comment Date:2009-07-08

I work in a bureaucratic environment. My executive is sweating the 'sh*t' outa me! I feel I can't take it anymore! Hen-pecking and needling me over all kinds of small stuff! Work I delegate, she's bringing it back to me and needling me about it! I am an excellent worker, and even the work of my direct supervisor she's bringing to me to do!! She nags me before work hours and after work hours. Help!

 Rate It |Comment Date:2009-07-08

There is no best way to deal with a micro manager. They will nickel and dime you to death in order to progress their own dubious agenda. I've seen a number of articles that put forward a sympathetic account of why some people are given to micro-managing. Sympathy is the last gift they require. Micro-managers are compensating for insecurities, under-developed skills and, I suspect, inadequacies in their sexual prowess. If you are in the singularly unfortunate position to work for one of these individuals your only way to preserve your esteem, dignity and liberty is to quit and hope that your next job provides a manager with more on their mind than how to fuck up someone else's life.

 Rate It |Comment Date:2009-07-09