Mind Matters | Micromanagement at work

I’ve been working at a marketing firm for three years. Recently, we got a new manager who micromanages and criticizes without constructive feedback. This has created a tense and demoralizing atmosphere. I feel constantly on edge, undervalued, and stressed. It’s affecting my performance and mental wellbeing. I used to love my job, but now I dread it. The constant criticism without positive reinforcement has made me doubt my abilities and lose confidence. It’s harder to concentrate, and I feel more anxious and overwhelmed each day.

I need to address the issue but I’m unsure how to approach the conversation without being confrontational. I want to express my concerns and propose a more supportive and effective way of working together. What should I do?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Nepal Institute of Mental Health

A new manager who micromanages can make things difficult due to their working style. Micromanagement often arises from the manager’s insecurity and fear of losing control, making it difficult for other employees. The need for attention to small details creates additional challenges for employees. This is a common issue and a source of aggression in management styles.

The psychological aspect to consider is that micromanagement impacts you because it undermines your sense of autonomy. When there is no trust with the manager, and everything seems like an order, it can lead to increased stress and burnout among employees, as one may feel pressured to constantly meet the manager’s expectations. This type of fear can cause workplace anxiety, lack of concentration, and burnout.

You can start by initiating a conversation. Find a suitable time to talk with your manager. When starting the conversation, it’s better to begin with acknowledgement and then discuss the difficulties. Use ‘I’ statements to express how micromanagement is affecting your performance. For example, instead of saying “You are making me feel…,” say “I’m feeling…” This allows you to honestly express what is difficult for you without hiding your feelings.It will become easier to communicate your needs.

Secondly, take care of yourself by balancing work and life priorities and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Engage in activities outside of work that you enjoy. Sharing your experiences with friends, family members, or close ones also helps. Self-care activities such as exercise or listening to music can help you tackle stress. If you feel constant pressure and find it hard to handle, professional help can be beneficial. Seeking help from professionals can help you navigate through personal and work-related stress and burnout.