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Improve your supervisor relationship and reduce stress
Do you work with a micromanager?
A micromanager uses a "hands-on" approach to supervising your work. But he or she takes it to the extreme. If you've ever worked with a supervisor who peers over your shoulder while you work or insists you do your work only his or her way, you've experienced micromanagement and probably know how stressful it can be.
At heart, micromanagement is about trust — your supervisor's trust in your ability to get the job done. Here are tips for dealing with a micromanager:
- Don't take it personally. Since micromanagers often have difficulty trusting others to complete a task, don't take their hands-on supervision personally. They likely treat most or all of their staff members the same way.
- Make a plan. The first step to changing micromanagement is to work on establishing trust. Develop a project plan after you receive your next assignment. Make sure you include dates and times you'll report back on your progress.
- Get feedback. Get your boss's feedback on your plan early and reach an agreement on how the project will proceed. Be flexible if your boss makes changes.
- Execute your plan. Follow through on the plan you both agreed on. Meet the deadlines and report back as planned. If your supervisor questions how you did something, you can say, "This is what we agreed on." If you try to reach an understanding with your boss using this technique and it doesn't improve your situation, gently discuss the issue with him or her by saying, "This isn't working for me." Share your feelings and ask if the two of you can get together to improve the situation. Come prepared with the facts and possible solutions to improving your working relationship, and make your point without being emotional. Again, seek agreement for how you'll work together going forward.
When gaining control is beyond your control
Sometimes there just isn't much that can be done to change your work situation. If that's the case, try focusing on what you may be able to control:
- Focus on the redeeming features of your job. Perhaps the work is exciting, the pay is good or you like your co-workers.
- Develop good work habits. Arrive on time. Stay positive, even when others are complaining. Be a team player. Know what your supervisor expects of you and meet or exceed those expectations whenever possible.
- Don't forget your personal life. Put work in its proper perspective. Ask yourself which is more important — your work life or your personal life. Develop interests and passions outside of work that give you a sense of control and balance — for example, leading a Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop, heading up your local neighborhood association, or serving on a committee at your church, synagogue or mosque.
Is it time for a change?
If you've tried some or all of these suggestions and believe that nothing you can do will improve the situation, it may be time to consider seeking employment elsewhere. A mismatch in work demands, personalities, management style and corporate culture are all valid reasons to consider making a change.
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