Don’t be an Overbearing Manager: 5 Scenarios and Solutions to Deal with It

by Jessica Gutierrez

You are a passionate manager who believes in teamwork and doing things the right way. There’s nothing wrong with that. But, if you insist on overseeing each and every detail of a project, the way you manage your staff is critical. 

Being an overbearing micromanager can build resentment and fear, causing your team to feel their job is a burden.

Are you staring down everyone’s shoulder? Then read the 5 ways you can relieve the stress on yourself and your staff. 

Tip #1: Use your manners

It’s the phrase you’ve heard in an argument at least once, “it’s not what you said, it’s how you said it.”

Even if you don’t mean to be demeaning or make someone feel incompetent, using the wrong words or tone will have that affect. 

Solution

Pay attention to how you come across. Speak slowly to minimize an aggressive tone. And, if you feel you may have been rude, it never hurts to apologize.

Tip #2: One size does not fit all

Everyone has their own way of getting things done. Just because it’s not your way, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the wrong way. Forcing people stick to your methods not only makes you hard to work with, but it limits any creativity your staff has to offer.

Solution

Take a step back and let individuals take the reins. Look at the big picture. Is your staff a happy, collective group who produces error-free work and meets deadlines? If yes, then we’re done here.   

Tip #3: Don’t dwell on mistakes

Everyone gets it, you’re a perfectionist and you can’t help it. Keep in mind perfection is subjective. People around you either may not agree or may not be able to live up to your standards.

Solution

Focus on setting a bar that is agreeable and attainable to your coworkers; you’ll maintain team moral and lower your level of stress.

Tip #4: Keep it positive

People with control issues have a tendency to focus on mistakes and errors instead of applauding potential and talent. If you simply can’t help pointing out flaws or errors, then read the solution.

Solution

Make a compliment sandwich. Start by pointing out what you like about their progress, follow the compliment with what could be improved and end with more positive feedback; it’ll soften the blow.

Tip #5: Democracy works

Talking things out in an open forum may not be the fastest way to get things done, but it places everyone on common ground. Try not to make every single decision. If what you say goes, you remove an otherwise potentially supportive and comfortable environment. 

Solution

Prove to your team you care about their opinions and give them the opportunity to share their own project methods. Being amiable to your staff’s ideas will inspire them to constantly think about solutions.    

You may not be an overbearing manager. In fact, your staff probably enjoys working for you. Either way, you have CodeMetro's solutions and now you can share it with others.