Question
How to deal with a micro-managing boss?
How does one deal with a micro-managing supervisor? My boss has a tendency to: *go through stuff under my desk and on my desk. He moves around stuff that he thinks should not be under my desk (a box of envelopes). I also have stuff like a gym bag, work shoes, etc, under my desk. Has he gone through them too? * He touches stuff on my desk, in my presence, that I am currently working on/will be working on. He asks questions about these pending things and assumes that I have ignored them. (Not realizing that they are on my desk cos I intend to work on them). *He fiddles through my papers on the side of my desk, in my presence, goes through my postits and asks me questions about my personal post it notes. * He once scribbled a comment on a postit I had stuck on my monitor and also on a postit I had left on my desk. *On ocassion, he picks up my mail, opens it and decides what to do with it(give it to me or handle it himself). If I make a mistake, he corrects me. Then he reminds me again about the mistake. He repeats himself all the time, not realizing how irritating it is/how much brain space he takes up when I listen to him. I do not like to be micromanaged. How do I deal with this? Actually, I had a very good working relationship with my previous boss, who was pretty laissez-faire. I get along with everyone in my dept except HIZZONER.
4 months ago - 3 answers
Best Answer
Chosen by Asker
I don't think this is "micro-management"; I think it borders more on craziness! A boss who opens your mail, goes thru stuff under and on your desk, questions you about personal notes, etc.? I'd be very careful if I were you -- sounds like he "has a thing" for you (or maybe he's worried you're so capable you'll be taking HIS position one day!). Such behavior isn't professional, I don't care where you work; I'd find another job -- FAST!
by nellie
4 months ago
Asker's Rating: 
Other Answers
Stop making mistakes. My experience with Micromanaging has been; There's a time and place for it, if an employee is not performing to expectations but I feel they have potential they'll need to be micromanaged. The only time micromanaging is uncalled for is when the employee is meeting their deadlines and/or always meets or exceeds expecations. Either you are not meeting expectations or this person is a control freak. If he's the latter, there's very little you can do about it other than give him no reason to go through your stuff, in other words, give him an update every step of the way, everyday.
by bobby769- 4 months ago
lol dayum.......he sound super annoying. There isn't much you can probably do except transfer into a new department under a new supervisor or something. Just be patient. Since he is your boss it's a hard subject to approach on how to get him to ease up on his managing tactics...........does he have a supervisor? Or is there a human resource dept. in your office? Maybe express your concerns to one of them. They could let you know if you can or cannot do anything about it. Do your coworkers feel the same about him, or does he just target you? If they do get them to voice their opinions too, more than one opinion will make more of a difference if you know what I mean. Good Luck.
by Valentines ♥ Baby- 4 months ago