Five Signs You Are a Micro Manager 

I'm currently in that hell of a workplace. I believe it will take a toll on my health unless I quit.

Been at my job 25 years. About a year ago we got a new boss and she does all this. I can't work like this and so I started to look for A new job. I have me 2nd interview next week.

You're making suggestions to people who aren't going to listen.

I'm so close to quitting my job the team lead just keep micromanaging and nitpicking with me over little things!!!

Micromanage+I'm introvert=I quit

It's all about control. My initial thought was that overwhelming this person with communication and progress updates would instill trust, and enable some autonomy in my role, and dare I say, even increased responsibility.... it didn't. It only led them to seek further involvement in the additional work I was 'granted'. It's not about your work product - it's all about their control.

I hate micro managing so much. It’s the most unpleasant feeling while at work. I’m a very chill person yet my supervisor hovers over me sometimes and it gets under my skin ....geez man lol

I have a micromanager who is so bad I'm about ready to quit. I don't know what to do anymore. He calls so many times I've had to start avoiding his phone calls. I can't even sleep at nights now because I'm so stressed out. I want to never ever see him again!

The video was very informative. It describes my superviser perfectly. She writes out a schedule for us daily with time limits. 10 minutes to sweep the aisles and she has had meetings asking why is it taking longer. I had to threaten to quit in order to get a small change in a procedure. The change took less than 5 minutes to make and saved time when processing paperwork. She could not understand the concept even though the rest of the employees fully supported it. Thanks for the video.

Hanz, Thank you very much! This is great stuff!

Thank you for this sir

Great video ... thank you for taking the time to make it for us. I've browsed the comments too, and it didn't take long though to find out the wrong people are watching it. I too am on the receiving end of the micromanagement, and it's really taking its toll at work, but I'm also bringing part of it home too. :( In a nut-shell, I have a new "Boss's Boss's Boss" (three levels up), that started several months ago, so the relationship is brand new. Also, it's important to note that we don't have the same background ... he's never done my job before. I first understood his constant barrage of questions and nit-picks as being his keen interest in learning about the industry, and I enthusiastically held his hand for several months. However, there appeared to be a shift just over a month ago where his questioning actually started crossing the line and became more controlling, as if he now knew more about my role and how long things should take, or how they should be done (and no, he really doesn't). My Boss, and my Boss's Boss, unfortunately have not stepped in when it became clear (in my mind anyway) that I was having difficulty with his level of interference. Finally, last week, while I was working on one of my tasks, I open my email, and here is something from him showing me that he's completed my task (remember, he's 3 levels up). I highlighted a couple of (real) issues with what he's done, and corrected them, at which point he demanded to know why his thing couldn't work. I responded in an email, quite thoroughly, and with a passive-aggressive tone (copying my Boss, and my Boss's Boss). He insisted on a phone call right after, and unfortunately I lost it on him. Now, after the fact, I'm trying to find a way to move forward. I have, BTW taken both my boss and my boss's boss, and genuinely apologized for the issues the blow-up caused, and they understood ... but WHY didn't they get involved before it got to this stage. Things aren't always as straight forward as you can pull from an HR textbook.

Controlling There’s only one way to do the job (my way) Impatience’s, unrealistic deadlines Constant contact (hovering) TMI.. too much information! Smothering with too much information Relax (no value) Release people to do the job their way Be patient Space Don’t smother with too much information

This is a very good video. Thank you for sharing. I worked with managers who always check in and need to be in every single meeting and conversation, sometimes I just couldn't tell if they were micromanaging or just being proactive. But either way, I would feel I wasn't trusted. Also sad that most managers won't realize they are micromanager.

unfortunately micromanagers are the last ones to take this advice!

This describes my boss to a T all five traits!

Thank you for the great short video. I've been micromanaged and it's never pleasant. Thanks for the info. :-)

I'm a manger and my boss is a micro manager. Absolute control freak. Tells everyone what to do.

Using this video to write a paper to my principal and how she mircomanages our school very informative.

The prime example of my work life.

Scenario: My company recently wanted to transfer me to a new center that we have to work, I had originally said I would go but started hearing from everyone that the new manager where I was going was a micromanager and very disrespectful and even stood around with a stop watch. So I went to visit the new center and meet the manager. The first things he said was that he had fired a lot of people and could do anything that I did better. Well red flags went up and I came back and told corporate I was unable to go. Afterwards a lot of people said they had been taking bets on how long I would’ve lasted with this new manager. Anyway now my current boss came and asked why I had changed my mind and I told him that I could not work productively under a micromanager. I also found out that my current promises of a raise, company vehicle and a higher position was just a lie. Conclusion: It’s really made me feel insecure at my current job and I really don’t even want to be productive there anymore, Should I look for another job? I’m thinking I need to. Tks

This is so true. My job just went through a merger and our new leader fits all of the characteristics that you described. Theres no freedom for creativity since everything is rigid. He is also counter-productive because the same email will go to four different people (unbeknownst to them) maybe because one employee is out to lunch so he goes through everybody else (impatience) which causes everyone to ask the same questions and convolute the situation. There is no space to do our jobs because there are constant interruptions, constant emails, and constant follow-up. I've started the process of looking for another job. Thanks for the informative video.

My boss is everything u described! And that's why I am quitting soon!!😁😌

Man I had to tell my supervisor that he was unprofessional he was nick picking about everything I was doing and instead of him pulling me to the side and talking to me about it he would be loud and rude about something that he didn’t think I should be doing. In front of other co workers.

Great Video. This reminds me of my Manager. He has to be in control all the time, has to know everything that I am doing. NitPicks everything. His way is only right to do a job. Otherwise you're a bad employee and need to be baby sat. After he got hired, 95% of those people who reported to him quit couldn't stand his micro management. I came after those people too bad I didn't know this ahead of time. It's scary that he things he is one of the greatest managers to walk the face of the earth.

Great!

1:13 I had this problem. I found a way that was faster and effective, that was within company guidelines and process rules. However the AH Boss grilled me for half an hour, saying that it "concerned" him. I asked him ".....so did l do anything wrong?" , to which he said "no,". I also asked him "..has anyone form the other departments complained or has there been any negative feedback ?" ...again he said "no"..In the end I said "so what is the problem? ", all he said was".....l don't know, it just that your work on this issue concerns me". What a complete A***hole!

I am so depressed at work. My boss does all of these things. He stands over me while I write an email to make sure it's right. The emails include informal emails to the people in the same team as me within our small company.

Man I wish this guy could talk to my manager and give her some advice. I do not work well with micromanagers ... Period!!! If you don’t trust that I can do the job why did you hire me is how I feel

I work under a micro manager. It is very difficult please my boss.he always crtisize us.

I want to be in a path of being a true leader. I hate being recognised as micro manager. Thanks Sir, You have done great job.

My boss does every one of these things. I recognize he can’t help it and is truly well intentioned but it is very frustrating. I can say he has gotten somewhat better over the past 17 years. Sometimes he doesn’t even say anything out loud, just kind of looks around a little bit at the project I’m fabricating as to imply it should be going faster. I just have to not let it get to me, lol, but sometimes it is difficult

Like the comments: "Only my way"

Awesome

I've been in a micromanaging team for 2 years now and I can honestly say its been the worst 2 years of my life and my health both physical and mental has deteriorated immensely. They've been trying to get rid of me for some times now by micromanaging me to death and monitoring all my emails and work and asking to check them before I send them, then always finding ways to "fault" it. Even the most small tiny imperfections gets put on a pedestal while positive achievements and feedback from customers are never acknowledged by them nor have I received any encouragement or praise for any improvements I've made. Now they've placed me on an "informal work plan" accusing me of not doing a few things which I have been doing, just because I did it right 50 times it doesn't seem to matter but when I do it wrong once it becomes the end of the world in their eyes. It sucks , they tell me I can always check with them if im unsure about anything but when I do check with them they would tell me im relying on them too much and that I should be knowing all this, then during the times when I actually do my own research and did not get the answer 100% correct they would tell me off for not checking .....Its so damn confusing trying to get on their good side because I need to job for financial reasons. It's really hard when everything I do, they even time my toilet breaks, and lunch breaks, and if im 1-2 mins late they would make me stay back 1-2 mins even after work is complete just for the sake of "doing your hours". Ridiculous. Now they've collected a whole list of micro errors and some bigger errors that I've "made" recently and trying to get me fired through this performance plan which seems very hard to meet as they seem to expect absolute perfection always. Other team members has made mistakes too but they don't seem to be put on all these micromanagement measures, it just seems like im the only person being targeted here, at least more severely than others. I have reported this manager once before for racist over the phone to me she told me "clearly, our english is not on the same page" , ever since reporting her she has put me on this strict "performance monitoring" thing where I cant even send out an email without waiting overnight for her to approve it first and correct me. It almost feels like subtle / subconscious racism to me, they feel the need to correct the way in which I write even if the facts are correct and the language is easy to interpret. I've received many positive feedbacks from customers and they have never had a problem with my communication style. Im the only Asian person in a team of pre-dominantly females in their late 40's - 60's working in education offices. I have emailed HR for the second time just detailing the whole thing and how im being singled out and tabs beeing kept on me, I'm not sure if I have much luck because I've got 2 managers in the team against me trying to get rid of me due to technicality and performance issues, but it looks like they're the ones trying to purposely magnify and create issues so they can find a reason to get rid of me. I just honestly don't know what to do.

Question☝️ what if it's the manager who is displaying passive aggressive behaviour to bully subordinates. Like for example, a worker make a trivial error/oversight, and the manager highlights it in an email to the worker but indirectly make an issue of it by copying in more senior people in the organisation who can fire the worker, there by putting fear into the worker as a means of bullying and intimidation. How does the worker deal with such a situation. Please respond. 🙏🏻

Empowering your people is the mark of a great leader. Micromanaging conveys a complete lack of trust.

I work for my cousin, she just brought her fiancee on board recently, and he is a textbook helicopter manager. I realize there are areas that are lacking in our company. As I am the operations manager, I am doing my best to correct those areas and I take my job seriously, and view myself as a strong leader. I have had others at previous jobs tell me this. However. He has been stressing me out so badly, I am now currently considering looking for a new job in the industry. The double hurt is that then I will become a competitor to my own cousin. :/

Lmao at least 4 out of 5 describe my current boss 😂 good thing I gave them my two weeks notice

This defines agile .....

🙏 amen

My manager is a beauty, he's a great leader. Yet, the company owner "micromanaging freak" wants to decide everything his way(even my manager hates it) ! It's so killing and he made me hate my job. I always question and wonder if he wants to decide everything and micromanage, why does he hire people? Might as well hire robots. Worst of that all, he knows nothing about the field, he's a business man who would call from another continent while on vacation to ask about an email I sent..seriously?

The worst is this I can't quit yet. I can't afford to. I love the work I do and want to advance in my career, but my boss is so insane. He recently had a baby two weeks ago but this hasn't changed him much. He also makes me feel very stupid in a way, just to top it all off.

Good video, but on the point of view of someone like me, who used to be a micromanager, it was necessary for the first few years of our startup to establish corporate culture. Now that we're a mature company i've delegated pretty much everything to my directors, coordinators etc. I was well aware of my micromagement issues. I suffer from OCD so this didn't help. As long as stuff is done properly now I don't bother people. About ETA's we also as managers have to deal with over-optimistic team leaders who think they can do stuff quicker than it can be done. I now multiply these guys ETA by 3. Yeah, I suffer from the "commander syndrome" but I've always been fair. It helped create discipline and eventually people found out as long as they do their stuff correctly I don't bother them. I even unblocked the internet and built a lounge. But I was also a Co-Founder and I'm aging this was my last chance basically at finding myself a retirement fund. Our employee retention is through the roof. People are happy. They know I'm the crazy cool dude if you're on top of your stuff. (Source: former COO, Now CTO with 45 people under me).

As a person who worked for a micromanager for over a decade, it's best to look for another job or resign and move on. Being micromanaged to death isn't good nor healthy for your wellbeing. Despite my best efforts to maintain, the boss never changed and she got worse when she married the number 2 guy in the company. The boss's husband was also the boss of our department director. This made it easier for my boss to manipulate her boss, the director, into making my life a living hell on the job. I eventually resigned with a last day note on a Friday evening after work. I left and felt like a burden was lifted off my shoulders. It was the best decision I ever made!

I'm sitting here wondering why I didn't work for him...

I worked under micro management, He is looking over my shoulder and watching computer screen

OMG do you still hire? (Just kidding, I'll keep learning and switch.)

This sounds like the abuse they give you here in our Vegas casino hotels to all housekeepers...there should never be girls crying going in or out of work everyday it's insane worrying about your job daily. INSANE AND ABUSIVE!!!

Micromanagers never last or the employee will just walk

I have watched this video again, to remove the germs of micromanagement, from my mind. Best Regards #Nisar #Bin #Yousuf

The one dislike I guess was a micromanager who didn't like what this guy had to say. Thought this was a great description of a micromanager

holy jesus, this is my former boss to a tee. I had to quit after 4 months, couldn't take her controlling issues and when I announced I was quitting, she had the nerve to tell me I was going to "learn with life" that I was wrong...just because I wanted more independency in the workplace. I was the 8th demission that year, so I rest my case.

I have a MICRO MANAGER!

Walmart needs micro manager

Yup, this guy describe my boss .I deal with crap everyday. Its a nightmare.

Oh, my goodness! This video describes my manager exactly. She is so controlling. Can’t stand going to work. I am so miserable I want to leave.

Wait till you work for a nano-manager! You will love your micro-manager!

I think it's awful to have boss like this. I was a temp and this boss hollered at me saying I was doing the work wrong. Its also coming from upper management who alloys this behavior. Very rude and insecure.🤔🙄😒

I'm such a micro manager!!! It's so bad I have to work on getting it in check

Oh shoot, I'm a micromanager.

Guilty as charged

We have new assistant manager The team reported her to head office because of her being a micromanager. She bring toxic and negative feeling to everyone.

Micromanage until your team members are competent. spot check their work quality and production as many people stop putting in the same effort they started with or have personal issues interfering with work. If you want a profitable business, you need to be involved. Competent hard working people are not in need of micromanagement

Problem is micro manger don't care upper management sides with them most of the time

Management should be high level control, not micro level. Micro-manager is crazy! Google suggests micro-management should be loose, give team members opportunity to think independently and make independent decisions.

I hate this kind of people. I play games when people do stupid things like this.

9 micromanagers disliked this

I would just not work for you. Tell them off. ...

NO.

Someone is micro managing because the others are too slow or stupid to do the job right

if employees had initiative and are proactive, there would not be a reason to micromanage. with some employees, you give them space to supposedly do their work, what do they do? slack off.

The micro managers destroy thier own healths which is good lol