“They told me they wanted me to take on more responsibility, but Curtis, my boss, still micromanages everything I do. Even though I have a new title, I can’t even send a confirmation letter without him changing it before it goes out.” Roger was trying to be a sport about things, but he was frustrated with his new promotion.
“It’s a tough situation,” I said. “Many managers in Strata III love to do Strata II work or even Strata I work. One reason is they like doing that work. It gives them a sense of accomplishment.
“Your question, however, is what do I do? First, sit down with Curtis and work on your job description. Make it crystal clear what you are responsible for and what outcomes have to occur each day, each week and each month. Ask for regular meetings every couple of weeks with an agenda to specifically discuss those outcomes. This exercise will not only refocus you, but refocus your manager. -TF
PS. I’m-OK.org continues to provide a web based messaging system for Katrina evacuees by creating an individual message board tied to their old phone number. Volunteers are now working at aid stations and relief centers to add people to the database. For more information, visit www.im-ok.org.
I think it is a shame that it takes a catostrophics event to remind us how critically important it is for everyone to have an emergency kit at home. I guess the problem is that people are either complacent, they don’t know what to get or, they wait until the very last minute and do not have the time to go to all of the stores to get what they need. Yesterday, a DECA business high-school student knocked on door and told the family about the fundraiser for their high-school club. They were selling a 72-hour emergency kit called the Ready Kit from American Family Safety. I don’t remember everything that the kit had but, it was designed by the department of homeland security and had three days of water, food, radio, flashlight batteries and a first aid kit and a lot of other stuff all in an orange backpack. Talk about convenient. The student was selling it for $49 and a portion went to the neighbourhood DECA club who was raising funds for Red Cross. The product gets shipped right to the house from UPS too. I think it is a great idea to educate everyone about the need for these products. The fundraiser is from http://www.americanfamilysafety.com and it’s a lot better than buying the chocolate bars or cookies.
Let me take Curtis’ point-of-view. (While he may BE a micro-manager, I think the BIGGER point is that he’s not yet comfortable in KNOWING that Roger will do the “right” thing.
So in addition to your excellent adivce, I would add that Roger should engage Curtis in several conversations – related to, but separate from, any particular assignment – about what Curtis feels IS the right thing. That way, Roger can help show Curtis in “non-essential moments” that he has a good head on his shoulder and can be trusted more when it comes to doing the ACTUAL work.
Thanks.
Barry,
Thank you for your post. Many readers may find themselves on both sides of this equation. I am pushing this thinking to Monday. The question is, “How does a Manager move increasing responsibility to to a new Supervisor?” Thanks again for the post.