May/June 2008

Micromanagers are a challenge, aren’t they? In spite of your competence and comfort with your work, the micromanager is frequently checking up on your progress—sometimes criticizing your work, other times suggesting how to do something you have already completed. This kind of behavior diminishes your job satisfaction.

These managers are motivated to behave this way out of fear that something will go wrong and they won’t have enough control to prevent it. The way to gain more autonomy is to relieve your manager’s fears by instilling trust.

Here are some tips to build trust:

		Communicate to your manager that you want to do a good job.   Ask what he expects from you and when. Use paraphrasing to show you understand his expectations. Do NOT tell him that you already do the things he mentions; instead, tell him those are the things you will focus on.
		Notice what your manager values or worries about. Are her suggestions and criticisms about the quality of work? meeting deadlines? customer service? Whatever her hot buttons, gear your performance to meet her standards.
		Share your progress frequently and ask if it meets his standards. Show your interest in learning from him and from others around you.

		To inquire about classes at your workplace, contact:
		Janie Trainor: jtrainor@novaworks.org
		Marsha Austin: maustin@novaworks.org
		www.pepskills.org

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