5 Steps for Dealing with Being Micromanaged

Many of us have been there.  Your supervisor is breathing down your neck and monitoring your every move.  You can’t make a move without checking in first, you have to justify every decision, and every moment of your day has to be reported.  You feel like you are being smothered, your creativity is stifled, and you are sure that you are being micromanaged.  What can you do?
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When we are being micromanaged by a leader, it is not uncommon to begin to wonder if your leader doubts your ability to fulfill your role.  You may begin to feel undervalued or simply fed up and frustrated that you are not given the space to do your job.  Before you quit or have a confrontation with your supervisor, consider the following steps:

1. Rule out the possibility that it’s you.  If your job performance is not satisfactory, your supervisor may monitor you more closely than usual.  Reflect on your prior performance evaluations or feedback that you have received.  Are you working on the areas of growth that are indicated? 
2. Understand the hierarchy.  If your performance is satisfactory or even excellent, recognize that your supervisor may have pressure from their supervisor to monitor their team and report back. Your supervisor may be micromanaged too!  Understanding the dynamics of the organizational chart may help you to have sympathy (or empathy!) for your supervisor.
3. Be proactive.  Rather than waiting for your supervisor to request forms, documents, action plans, etc., be proactive and communicate in advance.  If you know that your supervisor frequently asks for the same things, offer the information prior to being asked.  This will instill confidence in your supervisor that you are on top of the aspects of your job that they are most focused on.
4. Share your wins.  Make sure your supervisor knows when you have done something amazing!  This is especially helpful if someone else publicly acknowledges your accomplishments.
5. Communicate.  If your supervisor’s micromanaging becomes unbearable, schedule a time to discuss your feelings in person.  Explain that you would like more room to do your job. Be open to implementing strategies or suggestions that will help your supervisor feel comfortable giving you latitude to work.

Use this opportunity to build rapport with your supervisor and to demonstrate professionalism.  No one appreciates being micromanaged so as you move up in leadership, remember to offer the same freedom to your team that you need to get the job done.