From Overwatch to Oversight: Words for the MicroManaged
It’s 9:30 AM. Sara is in a groove, mentally preparing for a big presentation due Friday. She’s found her groove and entered the deep work zone when, PING—another text from Everett, her manager. It’s his third ping this morning, and once again, he’s asking for an update on said presentation. He wants to review Sara’s analytics again and sent her two more suggestions for formatting and the takeaway page. This presentation is important but certainly doable and Sara has a proven track record of success when it comes to influencing this stakeholder. If this were an isolated case of helicopter management, Sara might over look the hovering. Unfortunately for Sara, this is Every-Day-Everett. His nerves often have him adding too much value (if you get my vibe) especially when his team needs to interact with others outside his department. Frustration is building. Scratch that… it’s about to blow.
Sara knows she needs to share her concerns with Everett, but doesn’t want to add to his already nervous nature. Sara needs the right Words to highlight her skills and reputation, help her work with more independence, and avoid unnecessary tension between them.
If Sara says nothing, the hovering and incessant checkups will continue. This super-sized silence isn’t effective —it’s a watered-down form of permission. By not addressing the issue, she’s signaling to her boss that his constant oversight is necessary and acceptable.
There are times when it’s wise to pick your battles, but this isn’t one of them. Micromanagement, like any behavior, will continue until both confidence and productivity erode. The more Sara allows the check-ins to pile up, the more her boss will believe he’s right to continue on this pesky path.
Even if Sara succeeds despite her boss’ hovering, this behavior sets a prickly precedent for the entire team. Maybe the manager has convinced himself that this style of hyper supervision is effective. Sara knows the truth. This style is not effective and it has become Everett’s leadership brand.
Remember the bumper sticker that reads, “Tailgating me does not make me go faster.” If it’s true for cars, it’s probably true for people. Tempting as it may be to tell the boss to back off and get out of your lane, you know the nervous energy will come out with a vengeance. Equally problematic is a response that descends into insecurity or self-doubt. “Boss, am I really failing and flailing so badly that you can’t trust me to complete anything without you?” Sara needs to rely on her skill set and not sarcasm to redirect her supervisor’s approach.
Just like the micromanagement itself, a defensive response does nothing to address the core issue. If Sara responds emotionally, it creates more tension and confirm her boss’s belief that oversight is necessary. In short, a snarky response will make things worse. The wrong words are just as destructive as saying nothing at all.
Micromanagement is a form of insecurity - Full. Stop. It’s a need for control and self preservation. Micro-management is rooted in fear and the only way to get out from under it is with data and a courageous conversation.
Let’s be clear, there are certainly times when a manager needs to step in, structure work, schedule frequent updates, offer candid feedback, and redirect actions. That is usually when the employee lacks the will, skill, or confidence to do the task independently and to your expectation. In those situations, a detailed and structured style is appropriate and necessary. A manager manages and monitors activities closely until performance trends positive. As progress is made, the manager methodically gives greater degrees of freedom. This scenario is not that situation.
Stellar Sara is a star performer. She’s able, capable, and confident. Everett has told her so on several occasions. That’s why this is so concerning. He is sending her a mixed message: “I believe in you, but don’t trust you.” Everett risks losing a solid employee, Sara loves her role and decides to lead up with:
“I appreciate your attention to detail and the support you provide. I’ve noticed that we sometimes get into the specifics of tasks quite frequently, and while I know it comes from wanting the best results, I believe I can be even more effective if I have a bit more space to manage my work independently. What do you need to feel confident in me and this approach?”
“Given my track record and the outcomes we've achieved so far, I’m confident that I can deliver the results you're looking for. I’d love to set up a system where we can have regular check-ins to keep you updated on progress, but with the flexibility for me to tackle the tasks in my own way in between. How does that sound?”
“My goal is for you and the entire team to shine. I sense that you have concerns with my approach to ABC project. I’d like to learn more and correct them ASAP.” If they state that they have no concerns (or no reasonable concern) this is your chance to share what you’ve experienced and ask for a new way forward. Help your manager to focus on your actual performance, not the fear of what could be.
Acknowledge the Manager’s Intentions: Bottom line, managers who hover want high quality and successful outcomes. They mean well, but lack the skills and confidence to manage competent employees. Help them see that you want and intend to deliver that happy ending.
Structure Expectations Up Front: Discuss how you will keep your manager abreast of progress and risks. Ask for resources, time, and conditions up front. Discuss the ‘musts’ or non negotiables (i.e.: they want to be copied on every email that goes to the CEO.) These Rules of Engagement will set boundaries and teach your leader how to work with you.
Reassure Through Results: Point to past performance. Remind your manager that this is not your first rodeo. You are reliable and have a proven track record.
Suggest a Compromise: Offer regular check-ins. Provides your manager with a sense of control and oversight while getting more autonomy. When do they absolutely want a vote or to be involved?
Invite Collaboration: Where can you leverage your manager’s expertise? Where do you want to try on your own and ask for feedback after? Open the door for a conversation, rather than make an ultimatum. Encourage collaboration.
“Hire great people and give them freedom to be awesome.”
Andrew Mason, American businessman and entrepreneur
“Autonomy leads to empowerment. We work hard to maintain a balance between collaboration and cooperation and independence.”
Bobby Kotick, Former CEO of Activision
“Micromanagement is a sign of a manager who is out of touch with their team."
Amy Edmondson, Harvard Business School professor.
Don’t stop now! Learn more from a few of our personal fav resources below:
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