How to handle a superior who micromanages?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 May 2014 19:23:37 -0400

We all had those. If you're in a leadership position (E5 and above) what diplomatic approach would you use with your superiors without being offensive or insubordinate?

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made May 31 at 2014 7:37 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Sat, 31 May 2014 19:37:11 -0400

One problem I see with micromanagement is that it does not allow the leader to do things that may benefit the work environment. When one is micromanaged it is difficult to make a call on something even if it is within your scope because you are afriad of repercussions from the micromanager. I think you have to go to the one that is micromanaging and lay it all out that you know how to do your job and you don't need them looking over your shoulder all the time.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2014 8:24 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 31 May 2014 20:24:06 -0400

I have worked with all sorts of upper leadership, and it would all depend on the person you are approaching. In all fairness I have found it to be they don't know they are " micro managing". Alot of young leaders think they need to be involved in every aspect of the job. I have found that just addressing them in private usually will help.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2015 8:07 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Feb 2015 08:07:18 -0500

Be a people pleaser. If you know you work for someone that micromanages, do your best to reassure them and tell them what they need to hear to ensure that they know you are doing what is asked. I hate it as much as the next guy but I usually get them off my back when I do everything I can to make them feel at ease.

Response by MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. made Jun 12 at 2015 5:57 PM

MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. — Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:57:06 -0400

Keep at your leadership position with the utmost professionalism, and by the book standards -- perhaps when he/she see's how much leadership you possess, things will change... You cannot change people, only the way you approach the situation, or the way you conduct yourself!