How to Tell Your Manager They Are Micromanaging

According to research by the Chartered Management Institute, one in three employees have left their job because of a bad manager. Although it’s important for managers to offer support, it can be extremely frustrating when this escalates into micromanagement — a harmful and controlling management style that significantly impacts employee well-being and workplace morale.

What is Micromanagement?

Micromanagement is a style of management where employees are given little to no autonomy in their work. Instead, they feel that their manager is constantly watching over them, questioning decisions, and interfering with their day-to-day tasks. This often stems from insecure leadership, a lack of trust in employees, or simply an absence of the relevant management skills needed to lead a team effectively.

Sometimes, micromanagers believe they are being helpful or supportive, but in reality, they are creating a toxic work environment. For professionals who value autonomy, creativity, and independent thinking, micromanagement can be demoralising and even lead to burnout or resignation.

Types of Micromanagement

Micromanagement behaviours can be subtle or overt. Here are some of the most common signs of micromanagement in the workplace:

1. Constant Communication

While regular updates are part of healthy team communication, being expected to constantly check in with your manager can interfere with productivity. Employees should be trusted to manage their workload without unnecessary oversight.

2. Excessive Questioning

A micromanager often questions every step: What did you do? When did you do it? Why did you do it that way? They may even ask to be copied into every email thread — showing a lack of trust and delegation.

3. Unconstructive Criticism

Instead of providing constructive feedback, micromanagers tend to criticise frequently and nitpick, creating anxiety and stress among team members.

How to Address Micromanagement

Compile Examples

If you feel you're being micromanaged, it’s important to gather concrete examples of the behaviors that are affecting your performance and well-being. Many micromanagers are unaware of the impact of their actions, so being prepared with specific instances can help you have a more productive conversation.

Examples of micromanagement include:

• Being asked to create a document, only for it to be completely rewritten without discussion.
  
  
• Frequent requests for unnecessary updates or meetings.
  
  
• Constant dissatisfaction with your work without providing actionable or helpful feedback.
  
  
• Unrealistic expectations paired with a lack of guidance or training.
  
  
• Monitoring your time excessively, including break durations and work hours.
  
  

Request a Meeting With Your Manager

Some people simply lack managerial competence. If you're dealing with a poor manager who is micromanaging, it's important to request a one-on-one meeting to address your concerns.

During the meeting:

• Use your compiled examples to explain how the behaviour is affecting your work.
  
  
• Be honest about how it makes you feel. For example:
  
  
• “When you ask for frequent updates, I feel like I’m not trusted to manage my responsibilities.”
  
  
• “When my work is changed without discussion, I feel undermined.”
  
  
• Reiterate that you value clear communication, collaboration, and mutual trust.
  
  

Your goal is to create a healthier manager-employee relationship where you're given the space to thrive and do your job effectively. Managers should provide adequate onboarding, training, and support — not control or micromanage every task.

Final Thoughts

Micromanagement is more than just an annoying habit — it’s a serious issue that affects employee engagement, retention, employee turnover and company culture. If left unaddressed, it can drive talented employees out of the business. By identifying the signs, documenting your experiences, and having an honest conversation, you may be able to improve your working relationship or decide whether it's time to look for a healthier work environment.

At Inspired CVs, we offer expert HR support for employees facing challenges in the workplace, including issues with micromanagement, toxic work environments, or poor management practices. Whether you're navigating a difficult situation at work or planning your next career move, our team is here to help.

You can book a consultation with us for confidential support, or get in touch for more information about our services.

We also specialise in crafting professional CVs tailored to your industry, helping you stand out in a competitive job market. If you're preparing for your next career opportunity, we’re here to support you every step of the way.