HOW TO DEAL WITH A DEFENSIVE, MICROMANAGING BOSS
I am in my first job at a small consulting firm. My boss micromanages (i.e., changing entire drafts of reports and even small decisions like fonts and colors). I was assigned to lead two contracts, but he regularly makes unreasonable demands, sets unrealistic deadlines and doesn’t allow me any autonomy. Making matters worse, he has extremely high expectations, and when you don’t meet them, his response is anger and shouting. His behavior is well known but not discussed at the company
All this makes for a very uncomfortable and anxiety-inducing work environment, but we have no HR department; essentially, he is the HR department. A co-worker recently told him (with my permission) that I’ve been struggling with his management style, and he got defensive and said I was wrong. I am actively looking for other jobs. I have money saved up but am anxious quitting without a new job secured. Do I quit? If not, how do I handle his behavior in the interim? — Anonymous
A:
Sometimes you have to manage your manager. Given his defensiveness, he probably isn’t going to change. And given your workplace structure, you have few options. All you can control is what you do and how you respond to his micromanagement. Leaving a job without a new one in hand is anxiety-inducing, and it’s not something I recommend unless you are in dire circumstances. This is the time to polish your résumé and cover letter, activate your professional network and get serious about a new job search.
In the meantime, his behavior is a reflection of his inadequacies or insecurities, not yours. Micromanagers are usually seeking control. Consider the strategies you can employ to manage his behavior. How, if at all, can you anticipate the things he micromanages? Ask him directly how you can improve and put the onus on him to give you clarity on how you can work together more effectively. Good luck with your job search.
Is it me, or is this feedback sexist? Q:
I am a young, female lawyer who has over a decade of experience at public agencies. I am extremely effective at my job, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements, and have good relationships with my clients.
However, at several of my jobs,