How To Deal With A Micromanaging Coworker – 11 Wise Ways

How to deal with a micromanaging coworker? If you have a micromanaging coworker, the best thing to do is to try and get along with them.

This may be difficult if you don’t like being micromanaged. However, it’s essential to try and maintain a positive relationship with your coworkers.

You never know when you might need their help or support.

11 Ways To Deal With A Micromanaging Coworker

Here are some tips on how to deal with micromanaging coworker:

1. Understand Their Perspective:

Talk to your micromanaging coworker and try to understand why they feel the need to micromanage.

You can’t change their behaviour if you don’t know why they do it.

Maybe they’re trying to be helpful, or they may feel insecure and need to control everything. There may be a valid reason for their behaviour.

Whatever the reason, you will be able to find the resolution once you go in-depth.

Some common reasons why someone micromanages are:

– Tired/overworked and need to feel in control

– Low self-esteem or a lack of confidence

– Fear of failure or making mistakes

– Perfectionism

– Believe that they are the only ones who can do the job right, etc

2. Communicate To Deal With A Micromanaging Coworker:

If you have any issues with your micromanaging coworker, communicate with them.

Talk to them about your expectations about a coworker micromanaging me and let them know what you’re comfortable with.

This can help clear the air and avoid any misunderstandings. You can also talk to them about their micromanaging tendencies.

Maybe they didn’t realize they were crossing the line. The difference between talking and communicating is understanding them and letting them know you.

You can share your thoughts this way:

– “I understand that you want to help, but I need some space to do my job. It’s suffocating when you’re always breathing down my neck.”

– “I know you’re trying to be helpful, but it’s frustrating when you micromanage me. Can you please back off a bit?”

– “Can we please discuss this before you make any decisions?”

This way, they will understand where you stand and why you feel the way you do.

3. Set Boundaries:

If your coworker is crossing the line and micromanaging you too much, setting boundaries is essential.

Let them know that you need some independence. Tell them that you’re not comfortable with being constantly supervised.

Be assertive and firm when you talk to them. You can speak to them this way:

– “I appreciate your help, but I need some time to work on my own.”

– “I’m comfortable handling this task, thank you.”

– “I can’t do this if you’re going to be watching over my shoulder all the time.”

– “I’m not comfortable with you going through my things without my permission.”

It’s also a good idea to meet with your boss to discuss the situation.

They may be able to help you come up with a plan to deal with the micromanager.

4. Take The Initiative:

If your coworker asks you for updates on your work, take the initiative and give them regular updates.

This will show them that you can do the job without their constant supervision.

It will also help to build their trust in you. It would help if you started with weekly updates and then moved to bi-weekly or monthly updates.

This way, they will know that you’re still working on the task and don’t need their help.

Send them the reports via email or in person. Your little effort can save you from a lot of stress in the long run.

5. Be Proactive:

If you see your coworker getting overwhelmed, offer to help them out.

This will show them that you’re a team player and willing to help with the workload.

It will also take some of the pressure off of them. They may be hesitant to accept your help at first.

Still, if you keep offering, they’ll eventually give in. Proactivity is essential when dealing with a micromanaging coworker.

6. Do Your Best:

Even if your coworker is micromanaging you, it’s essential to do your best.

Show them that you’re capable of handling the task and that you don’t need their help. This will eventually earn their trust and respect.

Additionally, it will make it easier for you to deal with their constant supervision.

As we discussed earlier, create reports and share them with them.

Likewise, you should complete all your tasks in time and the best manner. They must be proud of their decision to give you the job.

7. Be Patient To Deal With A Micromanaging Coworker:

Dealing with a micromanaging coworker can be frustrating. However, it’s essential to be patient.

They may not realize that they’re being too controlling. Try to have some patience and understanding.

Eventually, they may come around and trust you more. Until then, do your best and be positive.

Without patience, you will make your life stressful and miserable. If you are working with such a coworker, you must have patience.

8. Stay Calm To Deal With A Micromanaging Coworker:

When your coworker is micromanaging you, it’s essential to stay calm.

Getting angry or frustrated isn’t going to help the situation. It will make things worse.

If you keep your cool, you’ll be able to think more and plan a plan to deal with the situation.

Additionally, it will be easier for your coworker to trust you if you’re calm and collected.

9. Talk To Human Resources:

If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to be working, it may be time to talk to human resources.

HR needs to know if an employee is feeling harassed or micromanaged. They can talk to your coworker and try to resolve the issue.

Additionally, they can offer you some support and guidance.

Coworkers can drive you crazy, but handling the situation professionally is essential. Talk to HR if needed.

10. Seek Outside Help:

If you’re struggling to deal with a micromanaging coworker, it may be helpful to seek outside help.

There are plenty of professionals who can offer their assistance.

This is a big decision, but it may be the best option for you if you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed.

Talk to your family and friends about your options and see what they think. You may also want to consider talking to a therapist.

Dealing with a micromanaging coworker can be difficult. However, overcoming the challenge is possible.

Remember to stay positive, patient, and calm.

11. Stay Positive:

It can be tough to stay positive when being watched and monitored, but it’s essential to try.

If you’re always negative, your coworker will assume that you can’t handle the job. Thus, they’ll continue to micromanage you.

Instead, try to focus on the positive aspects of the job and the company.

Be grateful for the opportunity to work there. Some ways to handle it all with positivity are:

– Make a list of what you’re grateful for

– Smile and nod even when you don’t feel like it

– Do your best and forget the rest

– Be a good coworker yourself

– Avoid office gossip

Who Is A Micromanaging Coworker?

Here are some apparent signs a coworker is micromanaging you, and you need to take action:

1. Constantly Asking Questions:

A micromanaging coworker will ask you questions. They ask you what you’re working on and how it’s going.

They may even hover over your shoulder while you’re working. This can be annoying and frustrating.

If you’re being bombarded with questions, it’s time to take action.

2. Always Wanting Updates:

Another sign of a micromanaging coworker is that they always want updates on your work.

They may want to know what you’re doing every step of the way. This can make it difficult for you to get your job done.

If your coworker is always asking for updates, it’s time to talk with them.

3. Never Trusting Your Work:

A micromanaging coworker will never trust your work. They may always be second-guessing your decisions.

They may even redo your work or tell you how to do it differently.

This can be frustrating and demoralizing. It can make you feel like your work is never good enough.

4. Making You Feel Incompetent:

A micromanaging coworker will make you feel incompetent. They may criticize your work or tell you that you’re not doing things right.

Constant negative criticism can affect your performance and make you feel bad.

This can be very hurtful and damaging to your confidence. If your coworker is making you feel incompetent, it’s time to stand up for yourself.

5. Causing You Stress:

A micromanaging coworker can cause you a lot of stress. They may be pressuring you to do things faster or differently. Not good enough.

This can lead to anxiety and stress. Stress can be very harmful to your health, and it’s essential to deal with it head-on.

If you’re feeling stressed out because of your coworker, it’s time to take action.

6. Always Needing To Be Right:

A micromanaging coworker will always need to be correct. They may argue with you about your decisions or how you’re doing things.

They may even try to prove that they’re better than you. This can be very frustrating, making it difficult to get along with them.

7. Making You Feel Like a Child:

A micromanaging coworker will make you feel like a child. They may treat you like you’re not capable of making decisions independently.

They may tell you what to do and how to do it. This can be very demeaning, making you feel like you’re not a valuable member of the team.

8. Disrupting Your Work:

A micromanaging coworker will disrupt your work. They may interrupt you when you’re trying to concentrate.

It can be challenging to get your job done and focus on your tasks.

If your coworker is disrupting your work, get ready to deal with the issue.

9. Ruining Your Relationship With Coworkers:

A micromanaging coworker can ruin your relationship with your coworkers.

They may always be trying to dominate the conversation or take control of the team.

This can make it difficult for you to get along with them. It can also make it difficult for you to trust them.

If your coworker is ruining your relationships with other coworkers, take action.

10. Making You Feel Uncomfortable:

A micromanaging coworker will make you feel uncomfortable. They may always be watching you or making comments about your work.

This can make it challenging to handle relaxed and comfortable at work.

Such a feeling of being uncomfortable at work can also impact your productivity.

Conclusion:

If you have a micromanaging coworker, it’s essential to understand their behaviour.

Once you know their motivations, it will be easier to deal with them. Additionally, try to be proactive, patient, and calm.

If nothing else works, you may need to seek outside help. Remember, you can’t change your coworker, but you can change how you deal with them.

By following these tips, you’ll have a more positive and productive working relationship.