Why is my manager micromanaging me? How to spot control and rebuild workplace trust
Answer:
Micromanagement usually stems from fear, lack of leadership training, or outdated corporate health solutions. It’s a sign of control issues, not performance concerns.
Understanding what drives this behaviour can help you navigate it and regain autonomy at work. Find out more in our Unlocking Workplace Wellbeing podcast with guest Sam Sloan.
Understanding control dynamics and building workplace trust
Feeling constantly watched over? Do you find your manager checking in too often, questioning your decisions, or redoing your work? You might be experiencing micromanagement, a management style that can affect your wellbeing, productivity, and job satisfaction.
In a recent Verve Healthcare podcast, Sam Sloan, Director of 123 People Development, shared with our CEO Steven Pink that an estimated “95-97% of leaders actually lead with a parent’s style or approach to their people,” which often translates into micromanagement behaviours. This statistic might be surprising, but it highlights just how common this management issue is in today’s workplaces.
Signs you’re being micromanaged
How can you tell if your manager’s oversight has crossed the line into micromanagement? Here are some common signs based on research and workplace studies:
✔️ Your manager rarely delegates tasks: They prefer to keep control of all aspects of work rather than trusting team members with responsibilities.
✔️ They request frequent updates: Constant check-ins and progress reports that go beyond normal project management requirements.
✔️ They give excessively detailed instructions: Rather than explaining the desired outcome, they dictate exactly how tasks should be performed, step by step.
✔️ They focus on unimportant details: Rather than looking at the big picture, they get caught up in minor aspects that don’t significantly impact results.
✔️ They redo your work: Instead of providing feedback for improvement, they simply take over and redo tasks themselves.
✔️ They expect to be copied on all emails: They want visibility of all communications, even those not directly relevant to them.
✔️ They become irritated when decisions are made without them: Any independence in decision-making is met with disapproval.
✔️ They resist new ideas or approaches: Suggestions for improvement or different methods are often dismissed.
✔️ They monitor your time excessively: They might track when you arrive, leave, or take breaks with unusual scrutiny.
To read more on the Verve Healthcare website, click below
