Micromanaging is a common behavior in the workplace. No one likes a micromanaging boss and such behavior is likely to create workplace conflicts. You should be smart and address the concerns and stress of your boss to reduce his/her’s micromanaging behavior.

1. How to Deal with Micromanagement in
the Workplace
Micromanaging is a common behavior in the workplace. No one likes a
micromanaging boss and such behavior is likely to create workplaceconflicts. You
should be smart and address the concerns and stress of your boss to reduce
his/her’s micromanaging behavior. The following tips can help in deciding how to
deal with micromanagement:
Understand the Source of MicromanagingBehavior
Understanding the sourceof micromanaging behavior is important when deciding
how to deal with micromanagement. You should try to understand the root cause
of the micromanaging behavior of your boss. Such behavior can be a result of a
lack of trust, uncertainties, stress, etc. Onceyou have identified the reason, you
can work on a way to address theseissues. If your boss does nottrustyou to
deliver, then address his apprehensions by sharing regular projectupdates and
progress. This willmake things better between the both of you and make you
more productiveat the workplace.

2. Keep Your Manager in the Loop
Micromanaging bosses do not like surprises. Oneof the key reasons for their
micromanaging behavior is their uncertainties. You should keep your manager in
the loop at all stages of the project. You can schedule regular monitoring visits or
check-ins on their part to make them feel comfortable. Hiding things fromthem
will only trigger their fears and uncertainties. Itwill further increase their
micromanaging behavior and make your work life miserable.
Agree on Basic Roles and Responsibilities
When you start working on a project, discuss it with your boss. Decidethe roles
and responsibilities of each party to avoid confusion later. If you are working on a
marketing campaign, then ensurethat you discuss only the important elements
with them. Your boss should giveyou inputs on the messageand not dwell down
to the font, colors, etc. If they start doing so, politely let them know that you need
their inputs on critical matters. Make them believe that their time is more
valuable to the larger picture and not for minute details.
Maintain Open and Honest Communication
Communication is important in figuring out the answer to how to deal with
micromanagement. You should maintain regular and open communication with
your boss. This will help in sharing your concerns, projectprogress, challenges,
etc. with them. If you feel too stressed about their micromanaging behavior,
speak to your boss in a candid moment. You can express that you like working
with them but havea few suggestions thatcan make things better. Itis
about winning the trustof your boss withoutbeing offensive.
Anticipate the Requests
Micromanagement can be compulsiveand obsessivebehavior. Itis marked by
certain behavioral characteristics and patterns. You should understand these
patterns and anticipate the requests of your boss. This will help you deal with the

3. problem and reduce your stress. If you anticipate that your boss needs regular
updates via emails or calls, then provideit to them. This will reduce their stress
and uncertainties to a great extent. They can take their mind off fromthe
micromanaging behavior and give you more space to work.
Avoid Fighting
When deciding on how to deal with micromanagement, keep the arguments, and
fights out of your solution set. If you try to retaliate with your boss, itwill only be
more counterproductive. They may decide that you no longer can be trusted. This
can increasetheir micromanaging behavior and make matters worsefor you at
the workplace. Instead of trying to fight and retaliate, try figuring out a middle
path to resolve the problem. You can discuss the issues with your boss and make
him understand instead of getting into a fight with him/her.