brittany nicole

Blogmas- Day 6 topic is going to break down how to properly respond to micromanagers in the workplace. If there are two things that I don’t like: 1. micromanagers 2. micromanagers with fewer credentials than me

So as a Black woman, it’s interesting working in spaces where I am in the minority. I’ve been here for the last 7.5 years so I’ve grown and matured with how I respond to certain things.

Outside of how people can’t figure out if they like my natural hair or which committee is lacking representation, I’m still around taking up space. Respectfully…

and I want to help others understand that as a professional you will be challenged. You will have to advocate for yourself. You will also have to deal with micromanagement at some point.

Here’s my spill on things…

1. Micromanagers are not as confident within their own abilities, so it’s comforting for them to make others doubt themselves. The best way to get them off your back is to not back down. Keep being your confident self and respond by letting your work speak for itself. Eventually, they’ll come to terms with the fact that you’re not the one and that they’re wasting their time.
2. Micromanagers get a high off of being in charge or in positions of power. I love this element of things because this is the perfect way to let them be the boss of “all things” except you. When tough decisions have to be made, leave that to the boss. When people aren’t happy with the outcome, direct them to the boss. When mistakes happen, look to the boss for insight. The boss who micromanages due to low self esteem will always break under pressure. Be prepared for them to reach out for assistance from the ones who hold their own in the workspace.
3. Micromanagers will gladly take ownership when things go right. I would recommend not sharing every detail when placed in charge of a project or an event. Report what you’re working on, never how you’ve accomplished getting the job done. Leave them clueless and only answer the questions that they ask. Micromanagers will never ask anything that makes them look as if they’re the underdog in the situation. Unfortunately, they can’t take credit without explaining the details of how you managed to accomplish things that they had nothing to “assist” with.
4. Micromanagers attach their name to everything. It’s the silliest of things but they’ll often ask to be cc’d on everything. Do as they request. Eventually you’ll be informed that they don’t need to be copied on literally everything and then you’ll get less requests moving forward.
5. And last but not least, micromanagers are manipulative and the best liars you’ll ever meet. The manipulation stems from them doing what was once done to them or the fact that they are out to make you depend on them to be successful. Never trust a micromanager. They lie. Most cheated their way to leadership. They can and will steal your ideas and take full credit.

Here’s 3 responses that may help you inform a micromanger that you don’t need to be micromanaged:

1. “Thank you for reaching out. I feel comfortable planning this event/taking the lead on this project. I’ll follow up with you if I need any assistance.”
2. “I’d love to speak about your expectations for this project/event so that we both have a clear understanding of our role moving forward.”
3. “I have _________ years of experience performing this task and can assure you that the event will exceed the expectations that have been shared with me.”
4. Can we meet soon? I don’t feel that I have the freedom to be creative and think outside of the box anymore because of the unspoken parameters that I feel I’m being forced to work within?”
5. “I just wanted to share that being micromanaged is not a style of management that I appreciate. I would love to map out a plan that will help both of us understand each other better. “

Let me know your best response in the comment section.

Signed,

Not ever going to appreciate a micromanager…

#BNspired2day