Identifying & Overcoming the Challenges of Micromanaging During the Pandemic
Written by Essie Timmon- October 7, 2021
The term micromanagement is not a new concept, and it is often practiced in many industries of work. Although micromanaging is often practiced, this can also lead to serious employee turnaround rates and even create an unhealthy environment for individuals to work. Most of us have probably dealt with micromanagement before there was a term for the act. The practice of micromanaging seemed to soar during the Covid-19 stay-at-home order in 2020. Supervisors did not trust employees to get the work done, or supervisors wanted the job done a certain way. Due to the lack of trust, many disgruntled employees had to work with their cameras on daily 8 am meetings, fill out activity logs, give their supervisors unnecessary updates, and much more.
If the work is getting done and deadlines meet the supervisors’ expectations, what is the need for micromanaging? If you don’t trust your employees to do their job well, why did you hire them, and why are they still there? The most common reason bosses micromanage is because they fear a loss of control. By now, you may be wondering if you are dealing with a micromanager. If you find yourself:
Asking permission for every task
Giving your boss constant updates
Copying your boss on every email
Obsessing over over-complicated instruction
You may be dealing with a micromanager. Although micromanagers are challenging to work with, there are a few things you can try to enhance your work experience.
Ask about leadership styles during the interview process.
Have a conversation with your supervisor about how their actions make you feel.
Document, document, document. Document everything that happens in the office. Unfortunately, you may have to take the conversation to human resources for delegation if there aren’t any changes.
The last result is to find another place of employment.
Some bosses are more understanding than others. It can be challenging to manage multiple personalities and different work styles. These bosses may not realize they are a micromanager. That’s why it is essential to reach out to them about their actions before taking things to human resources. Other supervisors do not take professional criticism well. If you have one of these bosses and have tried suggestions 1, 2, and 3, it may be time to search for a new job, so you aren’t targeted in the workplace.
Hardy, N. (2019). 7 signs you’re dealing with a micromanager. Breathe.
Murphy, M. (2017). The secret fear that causes bosses to micromanage. Forbes.
