Working From Home? Consider These Tips to Avoid Being Micromanaged
Now that so many people are working from home, there are many new challenges we are facing. One of the biggest challenges might be a micromanaging boss. Your manager may be new to remote work too, as many in the food and beverage industry are. But as long as it remains a safe and viable work option, remote work is the new normal for many. Here are tips to avoid being micromanaged:
If you feel like your manager is a little too on top of everything and a bit too demanding, try these tips to prevent micromanaging while still being productive, responsive, and responsible.
1) Over-communicate and follow your manager’s lead
Make sure you understand a clear deadline or else set an expectation of when your work will be completed, and communicate progress or problems along the way. If your manager has a particular way of speaking about a customer or client, use the same language in your communications – this shows you’re paying attention and understand how important this task is for your company. Schedule regular check-in calls to provide updates and details on how your work is going. Suggest establishing this as routine to your manager.
2) Trust your judgment, especially if you’ve been working in your position for a while
It might not be easy to feel confident in making a decision if you’re used to running everything by your manager when you’re in the office, but give it a try. Always be prepared with potential solutions when you raise a problem or question. If allowable, let your manager know something you’ve taken the initiative to decide after it’s done and see how things go. If it was the wrong call, apologize once and move on.
3) Keep taking the initiative
If there’s a project in the works that you’re interested in, offer to take the lead. Show your manager you’re just as committed and invested in your work now as you were in the office. Restate what you understand to be the expectations and who you believe the involved parties are and then — with your manager’s approval — go for it!
4) Anticipate and get ahead of questions
If your manager tends to be a little too interested in what you’re doing, pay attention to what they need to know. For example, if you expect you’re going to get a call or email around 10:30 a.m. from them, call or message them at 10:15 to provide an update or ask a question. This reinforces that you’re on top of things and paying attention to details, all while working diligently and being courteous to your manager’s need-to-know.
5) Be patient and understanding but forceful when need be
If you’re new to working remotely, remember that this is stressful, trying time for everyone. Your manager is used to having everyone under one roof, available for check-ins at a moment’s notice, and always in reach. That’s not the case when working remotely. If the problem persists or gets worse, however, speak up. Explain you feel as though you’re not trusted to do your job from home despite your best efforts to be communicative, and you want to know how that can be fixed. Perhaps your manager doesn’t realize they’re micromanaging! Be calm and professional and make suggestions on how to find a solution — together.
We’re Here to Help
Kinsa Group remains committed to helping managers and employees in the food and beverage industry do their best work in jobs they enjoy. If it’s time to start looking for a new position, contact us to find out which companies in the food and beverage industry are looking for someone with your talent, skills, and experience. We work with industry leaders and can help you take the next step in your career. Call us today to get started.
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