"My Boss is a Micromanager! What Should I Do?" - 06/11/20 Edition
Stephen Says Column

 Dear Stephen,

 
 I really like the company I work for, and I like my boss but she is a micromanager. She’s constantly calling me for updates on the status of projects even though I am careful about keeping my salesforce CRM up-to-date. She seems to want to be involved in every detail, and this is even more frustrating because I like her as a person and have a history of always making my sales goal.
 
 I respect my boss, who I have worked for three years, but it seems worse lately because of everything happening in the country. We are in a state that is mainly open for business as usual, so it is not really that. I guess the situation is just bothering me more, and I am hoping you have a solution on how I can deal with it without affecting my relationship with her. All my performance reviews have been great. I think she is just a nervous person. What do you suggest?
 
 I’m Good, Let Me Do My job!

Dear I’m Good,

 
 Micromanagers tend to be anxious people by nature, or like you said, “nervous,” so don’t amplify the problem and make her more nervous by uttering the term “micromanager” in her presence. And for heaven’s sake don’t use that accusatory word about her when you’re talking with your colleagues or with company executives. It’s a “kiss of death” — for you — because other’s opinions will default to “she’s just doing her job and you’re a whiner.”
 
 I understand your quandary, it can be an uncomfortable way to work when you like your boss as a person but you don’t agree with the way they manage. For some, my advice would be the obvious solution of transferring within the company or just looking for a new job, but in this case I can tell you like your job so now the question becomes “How do I make it work?”
 
 First, it is important to gain the micromanager’s trust by giving them what they want and making them look good. Since you have worked for her for three years, and you both get along, that trust may be there, but keep working on it.
 
 Do not try to fight it, you cannot change your boss, but like I said, you can always change your job.
 
 Try to learn what motivates her and what is making her anxious. Is it needing to make a sales goal? Is it fear of losing her job? Is it as simple as achieving a project deadline? Then you can work to meet those needs. When she sees you working on her concerns, it tends to relax the micromanager. Every boss likes to see you addressing the issues important to them — micromanager or not. It is important to give her detailed reports on the information you already know she wants even when you told her verbally or even though you already submitted all the info in your CRM. Detailed and timely reporting is key.
 
 And again, whatever you do, do not tell them you think they are a micromanager. Never say those words, even as idle gossip to your coworkers. No manager wants that label. Make your boss see how you can both achieve your goals and that will make her less nervous. Do not try to fight it, you cannot change your boss, but like I said, you can always change your job.
 
 P.S.: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention to everyone reading my column for advice, manager or not: There is a sales management philosophy and style that works a lot better than “micromanaging” but it’s a lot harder to define. It’s the manager that truly becomes part of her/ his team rather than managing from above. I don’t mean the manager should become friends with each person, I mean the manager that works with each salesperson so they are able to use their unique talents to become the best they can be. CRMs, spreadsheets and call reports will never be able to come close to what maximizing an individual’s talents and the synergy of teamwork can achieve.
 
 Stephen
 
​ You can send your workplace questions to Stephen at: StephenSays@bellow.press
 
 Questions selected to be answered, will appear in this column. Please use the Subject: Stephen Says for all emails. Stephen Viscusi is a bestselling author, television personality, and CEO of The Viscusi Group, global executive recruiters located in New York. Follow Stephen on Twitter @stephenviscusi. Like Stephen on Facebook and follow him on LinkedIn.