9 Signs Your Boss Is a Micromanager—and How to Handle Them

Your boss wants to know all about the process

An empowering boss doesn’t just dole out tasks and then disappear but will guide you through the process. There’s a fine line between managing and bossing around though. Most bosses focus on the end goal, but micromanagers want to control every step that leads there, says Richard Wellins, PhD, senior vice president of leadership development company DDI. Talking with your boss is the only way to stop the behavior, but don’t point fingers at your manager, says leadership expert Todd Dewett, PhD. “Ask if a client shared difficult feedback about them. Suggest you’re always open to feedback,” he says. “The act of asking these questions will prompt them to think about why they are hovering over you so often.”