Working with a micromanager is often frustrating, stressful, and demotivating. Especially when that manager believes they are the only person in the organization capable of doing the job correctly. While this can be infuriating and demoralizing, there are things you can do about it. Use this information to understand what drives your Doer manager and how to adapt your communication style. Ultimately, Devouts micromanage because they desire control over the situation and outcome. If you haven’t yet, check out this overview of micromanager types:  It’s your fault you are being micromanaged . The Devout Micromanager Most people fear the Devout micromanagement style. They enjoy micromanaging or believe that they must rule with an iron fist. I find them to be rare. They often show up in retail or food service, where speed of service is believed to be necessary. Many Devouts will be incredibly busy at work, with too much work on their plate to spend any time talking to you. While...

 Working with a micromanager can be frustrating and demotivating, especially when they seem frantic or ask for things they don’t understand. However, there are things you can do to change the story. Use this information to understand what makes your Amplifier micromanage and how to adapt your communication style. Ultimately, Amplifiers want to be able to confidently relay status and progress up the chain, probably to someone who is micromanaging them. If you haven’t yet, check out this overview of micromanager types: It’s your fault you are being micromanaged . The Amplifier Amplifiers are often influenced by the dynamics within the organization, particularly in larger, multi-layered structures. They strive to avoid surprises in meetings and may hover until they obtain the information they seek, inadvertently amplifying the pressure they feel onto you. Understanding this dynamic can empower you to manage your relationship with them proactively. Amplifiers are driven by seve...

Working with a micromanager can be a stressful experience. Especially when the manager constantly asks for updates and pushes you to meet that next date. While this can be distracting, aggravating, and demotivating, there are things you can do to make it bearable. Use this information to understand what drives your Taskmaster and how to adapt your communication style. Ultimately, Taskmasters micromanage because they are uncomfortable with uncertain timelines and outcomes. If you haven’t yet, check out this overview of micromanager types:  It's Your Fault You're Being Micromanaged . The Taskmaster Taskmasters are one of the more common micromanager traits. These managers need to know the plan and how much progress has been made. If they don’t see every step the team takes, the project's outcome is not certain enough to satisfy them. Taskmasters hold many meetings and impromptu check-ins to get updates on short-term progress. Taskmasters are battling some key concer...

Working with a micromanager can be an unfortunate experience. Especially when that manager used to do the same job as you, they can get quite controlling or directive about how to get the work done. While this can be frustrating and demotivating, there are things you can do about it. Use this information to understand what drives your Doer manager and how to adapt your communication style. Ultimately, Doers micromanage because they are uncomfortable with not knowing the daily details about how the work is getting done. If you haven’t yet, check out this overview of micromanager types: It's Your Fault You're Being Micromanaged . The Doer Micromanager One of the most common micromanagement styles is the Doer. These are the managers who were once good at their team's job. More often than not, these people were promoted into management for their talent at getting the job done and struggle with letting go. These micromanagers will usually give you detailed steps and checkl...

This is a weird situation. You were likely promoted into leadership because you excelled at problem-solving and getting things done. You have naturally used those skills to help your team succeed, but at what cost? Do you want a vacation, but your team stalls when you are not around?   Are there projects you can’t get done because you are busy answering questions for your team? Have you been overwhelmed by the number of decisions you have to make? How well does your team accomplish goals without you consistently following up with them? What’s the common factor in all those questions? That’s easy—it is you! Your choices and actions keep your team from sharing the burden of problem-solving. There is hope, though. You can start changing how you interact with your team to help them run smoothly, even if you cannot be immediately available. Your Job Is Not to Solve Problems First things first, it is time to acknowledge that your job is no longer about solving problems.  You are sup...