Managing Up
Employee
Calm
Telling your boss they are micromanaging you
Your manager checks every task twice and it is slowing your work and eroding your confidence.
Strategy
Do not diagnose their behavior. Ask for a different operating agreement and make it about output. Give them a way to stay informed that does not require hovering.
I want to propose a change in how we work together. Right now I am getting checked on most tasks mid-stream. I think I can move faster if I own the whole thing and bring you a checkpoint. Could we try this for two weeks: I send you a Friday summary with anything at risk, and you pull me in on anything that misses. If it slips, we go back to the old rhythm.
If they push back
If they say they are just staying close to the work: "That makes sense, and I want you informed. The Friday summary should give you more visibility than the check-ins do, not less."
What not to say
- You do not trust me
- You are micromanaging me
- Everyone on the team feels this way
- Can you just leave me alone on this
Follow-up
Thanks for being open to the two-week trial. First Friday summary lands this week. If anything feels thin, tell me and I will add to it.