Workplace dilemmas: my manager is a control freak

Workplace dilemmas: my manager is a control freak

This month’s issue for our agony uncle to resolve: what to do when you’re being micromanaged

Dear Tim,

I’m an experienced professional working in the financial services sector. I’ve been in my current role for the last 18 months, having stepped back from a more senior appointment following a period of ill health that’s left me with a long-term disability.

I work as part of a fantastic team and have been given a pleasing level of functional responsibility, without the pressure of managing people.

    ...my line manager never lets me get on with a job unsupervised.  

I’m also grateful that the company has recognised my experience in the employment package they give me. I get paid a really good salary, have a generous holiday allowance and a rock-solid pension. This has helped soften the blow of giving up my former seniority: I actually get paid more or less the same as my line manager, and not much less than I earned in my previous role. It’s made coming to terms with my disability much easier.

That said, there is one thing that I find frustrating. For all that I am valued by the company as a whole, I feel as if my line manager never lets me get on with a job unsupervised. She’s always looking over my shoulder, giving me detailed instructions and checking up to make sure I’m following them.

I think this is more about her personality than about her estimation of my abilities. I notice that she does the same with everyone. She seems unable to let stuff go, and has to be involved in everything that happens in our department. She often works late and is always the first person in the office each day. I’m not surprised: doing everyone else’s job as well as her own must be exhausting!

Workplace dilemmas: my manager is a control freakGiven my track record, and my own experience of managing people, I find her approach deeply frustrating. Should I say something, or just accept that she is what she is and get on with my job?

Tim writes:

Micromanagement is a major issue in many workplaces and has a detrimental effect on productivity. As a former manager yourself, you’ll know how hard it is to avoid getting involved in every facet of your team’s activities. Ultimately, you are responsible for their output, so it can be hard to leave them to it.

It seems fairly clear from what you say that your boss is a micromanager. All the signs are there, including a failure to delegate, over-supervision and a high degree of control-freakery.

This is a problem, but it’s not really your problem. Sure, it affects your satisfaction at work, and clearly causes you some frustration. But part of the deal you’ve made with yourself in stepping back from a position of authority is that you don’t have to worry about other people’s behaviour.

    Micromanagement is a major issue in many workplaces and has a detrimental effect on productivity.  

I get that it’s annoying to be micromanaged, and there are certain ways you can help your colleague avoid doing it. For example, you could pre-empt some of her interventions by giving her regular updates on your progress against particular tasks. It may be time-consuming and irritating, but a daily or weekly email letting her know what you’re up to and how it’s going may be just enough to reassure her.

If you don’t think that’s likely to resolve the situation, you probably ought to share your concerns with someone higher up in the business. This can feel like being a telltale, but an off-the-record chat with your manager’s manager, suggesting that she may benefit from some training and support in leadership, could be just the ticket.

Given that your company clearly recognises and values your prior experience, I’d have thought you’re well placed to make such an approach. And any senior business leader worth their salt would know not to divulge their source when addressing the problem.

Ultimately, it’s in everyone’s interests to help your manager become more effective in her role. You can be a catalyst for that process, using your reputation and expertise to help her develop professionally and personally.

© 2020 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 2 March 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: Workplace dilemmas: I feel trapped by my selfish colleague

You may also enjoy: Why becoming a dad completely changed my outlook on work

Jobs currently available

New job
Field Service Technician – Twickenham / Kingston Upon Thames
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Twickenham, Kingston Upon Thames
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913709
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Twickenham / Kingston Upon Thames area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Technician – Chelmsford / Ilford
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Chelmsford, Ilford
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913708
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Chelmsford / Ilford area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Technician – Bromley / Redhill
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Bromley, Redhill
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913710
About the role

Due to continued growth, a world-leading provider of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to service a customer base in the Bromley/Redhill area.

The role involves servicing and installing car and commercial valet equipment. You will be involved in all aspects of planned maintenance, breakdown repairs, equipment servicing, and general repairs. Responsibilities also include maintaining van stock levels and completing job sheets.

Role requirements include:

  • Having an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Working on your own initiative or part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Being punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • You will be required to work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits on offer include:

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided#

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Flexi/Bendi Driver
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £12.75 per hour
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: 16797466
About the role

Just Temps is seeking Flexi/Bendi Drivers for a company based in Witham.

This is an immediate start, temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

About the role:

This is a varied role where you will support the Team, Coordinators, and Warehouse Manager in the daily operations of the warehouse, helping to ensure compliance with Health & Safety regulations while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and operational efficiency.

Duties will include:

  • Loading and unloading goods from deliveries
  • Checking for damaged or missing items
  • Accepting incoming goods and comparing them with the shipping document (material number, description, quantity)
  • Storing goods in warehouses using manual processes or MHE
  • Making sure any loads are safe and secure
  • Tidying and stacking empty pallets
  • Picking and packing orders for dispatch
  • Moving stock around either by hand, using lifting equipment or a forklift truck
  • Loading goods for dispatch
  • Inputting data regarding stock and inventory into a computerised system
  • Carrying out stock counts as and when required
  • Managing, completing, and keeping paperwork to the required standards
  • Operating safely and in full compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations to ensure your own safety and the safety of others
  • Keeping areas of work clean and tidy to ensure safety and operational efficiency
  • Making recommendations to aid efficiency and add value
  • Other general warehouse duties as required

Role requirements:

  • Ideally, you will have an accredited licence, although the company will consider in-house certificates
  • Demonstrates a hands-on commitment to getting the job done whilst adhering to deadlines

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Warehouse Supervisor
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913695
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a growing organisation, based on the outskirts of Colchester, looking to add another Warehouse Supervisor to their team.

The key purpose of the role is to work closely with the senior management team, supervising the warehouse and completing all associated tasks as expected.

Duties include:

  • Manage employees’ day-to-day activities to ensure they are meeting their goals and deadlines
  • Supervise employees and direct work as they undertake activities related to returns, re-works, order fulfilment and order management
  • Monitor employee performance to ensure they are meeting company standards
  • Work closely with the General Manager to monitor staff levels and adjust accordingly
  • Perform regular Quality Audits, documenting the results
  • Work closely with the Customer Account Manager to ensure any issues are resolved quickly and effectively with minimal disruption to both the customer and the company
  • Ensure all Health & Safety regulations and relevant laws are adhered to
  • Monitor depot housekeeping, ensuring a clean and safe work area is maintained
  • Work closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure that work tasks are completed on time and within budget
  • Supervise the training of new employees
  • Coordinate with colleagues on the retrieval of stock replenishment and outsourced stock

Key requirements for this role:

  • Have previous warehouse experience or proven experience with a leadership position in a similar role
  • Have excellent communication and problem-solving skills
  • Have proven leadership and employee management skills
  • Have knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS)
  • Hold a valid Forklift Licence

This role is located in a great working environment with free parking available on-site.

Please note that due to the company’s location, you will need to have access to your own transport.

Working hours:

8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.
You are required to work 2 x Saturdays out of 4 (with a day off in lieu that week).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more