2 MINS

How to Escape Micromanagement Video

Video Transcript

Regain your independence with these four steps.

Do you feel like your boss is watching your every move?

It can be difficult to do your best work when someone's hovering at your shoulder. Micromanagement isn't only distracting, it can also lead to groupthink, create bottlenecks, and hinder team development.

Assert your independence with these four simple steps!

1. Look at yourself. Could you be the reason that your boss micromanages? If you often miss deadlines or make mistakes, then they may not trust you to work on your own.

Work with your manager to overcome these weaknesses.

2. Communicate. Some leaders struggle to know when to back off, especially if they prefer a "hands-on" approach. In fact, your boss may not even realize that they're micromanaging!

Have an honest discussion about how they can give you space while remaining "in the loop."

3. Understand their motivation. Find out what drives your boss's need to micromanage. Take time to learn what matters most to them, and how you can help them without sacrificing your independence.

4. Take small steps. If your manager struggles to let go, then ask them to delegate a single task or project. Communicate your progress and stick to deadlines. When your boss sees you working successfully, they'll know that they can leave micromanaging behind.

If you want to learn more about how to escape micromanagement, read our accompanying article.

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Comments (2)
  • Over a month ago Yolande wrote
    Hi MikeRichards,

    Isn't that the truth!! Micromanagement definitely doesn't help your team to learn to function independently. It's friendlier on everyone if the manager teaches, coaches, allows people to try and then redirect or praise.
    Please do pop over to the forums and join the discussions there too - we'd love to hear your voice: https://www.mindtools.com/forums/index.php

    Yolande
    Mind Tools Team
  • Over a month ago MikeRichards wrote
    Micromanagement can definitely create bottlenecks. Everyone seeks approval from the micromanager, stalling project work. Not to mention the micromanagement gets stressed from doing everyone's job on top of theirs.