My boss is a micromanager who constantly checks the status of the projects she has assigned to me. It takes so much time that I can’t be productive. How do I tell him to let me do my job?
With more tact than that.
There are two possible scenarios: your boss is a micromanager, or she doesn’t trust you to manage deadlines and deliverables.
If it’s the former, it’s a hard habit to break because people like that are usually wired that way.
Try explaining that the time you have to prepare and respond to constant check-ins makes you less productive.
Try to find a reasonable cadence for updates that isn’t too burdensome for you but allows them to feel in the know.
If she has reason not to trust you to manage the project more autonomously, well, that’s a performance issue.
Ask for an opportunity to regain their trust.
I’m calling BS on your advice that a manager needs to change their casual way of addressing staff with “hey, guys” because one of the employees doesn’t identify that way and is so sensitive that he may be offended. What if we stopped kneeling to every snowflake and instead told them that if they don’t like it, here’s the door?
Be careful: this door can be swinging and, with this attitude, it could hit you hard before pushing you out.
However, I received a lot of feedback expressing similar frustration from managers.
I understand. I think there are some “microaggressions” that are a little too precious and subtle, and I think some employers sometimes go too far in trying to accommodate the needs of each individual.
That said, I don’t think this is one of those circumstances.
What if a manager instead addressed their team by saying “hey girls” or “hey (fill in the blank with something more provocative.)”
It’s not a locker room and you don’t go out with your friends where the standards can be different and accepted.
It’s work, a professional environment, and no matter how close you feel to your team, it’s basic courtesy to address people in a respectful manner.
Got it, buddy?
Gregory Giangrande has over 25 years of experience as a human resources director. Listen to Greg Wed. at 9:35 a.m. on iHeartRadio 710 WOR with Len Berman and Michael Riedel. Email: GoToGreg@NYPost.com. Follow: GoToGreg.com and on Twitter: @GregGiangrande
New York Post
