Escaping Micromanagement

Becoming More Independent

Does your boss watch over everything that you do?

Imagine that you work in a classic autocratic organization, and your boss follows every little rule. She oversees each detail of every project and task – and she seems to believe that you and the rest of the team are incapable of performing without her help at every step.

This, in turn, has created an oppressive and discouraging work environment. Productivity and morale are low, and many people have left to go to organizations that are less controlling and more empowering.

You like the work that you do, and you want to stay with the company. So how can you improve your situation? How can you get your boss – and perhaps your organization – to trust you more?

Working in a micromanaged environment isn't easy. In this article, we'll highlight the disadvantages of micromanagement, and we'll explore what you can do if your boss micromanages you.

Note:
Remember, some organizations require a micromanagement style – particularly if mistakes can cost a lot of money, or can threaten someone's life. If you believe this is true for your company, you can still use some of the strategies in this article, but be aware that your boss or organization may be unwilling to let go of control.

Disadvantages of Micromanagement

There are several disadvantages to a micromanagement style of leadership:

It can hurt creativity – When your boss constantly checks up on you and tells you what to do, you have no power to think for yourself. This limits the solutions that you might find on your own.
It can cause you stress – Often, micromanagers make you feel as if nothing you do is good enough. This type of working relationship could make even small tasks seem overwhelming.
It can waste time – When your boss constantly holds meetings and gives instructions, she limits the time you could be working on productive tasks.
It can hold you back professionally – Because you're "dependent" on your manager for every task, you don't take responsibility for yourself and for your work. This limits your growth and development, which may impact your career.

So, what can you do about it?

Critique Yourself

First, it's important to find out why your boss is micromanaging you. If he behaves this way only with you, then perhaps you're the cause.

Look honestly at your own work and habits. Have you ever...

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