micro managers

[Schieffelin]

I have a job where I’m told to be smart, independent, and entrepreneurial in accomplishing the goals set for me. BUT I feel that most of the other people in my department including my boss are extremely risk-averse and set in their ways. It is hard not to take it personally when every piece of work I produce is gone through with a fine-toothed comb and edited and criticized to death. By the time it’s done my work is unrecognizable from the original. (not to mention that it takes two or three times as much time as it should) In addition I’m often surprised out how much they congratulate each other over accomplishments but then something really huge that I’ve accomplished is just accepted as a matter of routine.

Am I just having too big of an ego and need to humble myself? I don’t mean to imply that it’s a hostile work place. Many days I like it just fine and do feel very appreciated. In fact, I know it’s nothing personal against me it’s just their personalities. My boss is a super super perfectionist and it just feels like so much pressure all the time. I have a hard time telling the difference between me just being oversensitive and her being ridiculous. On one hand I feel my God given talents are being wasted. On the other hand I worry that I’m just being proud. Should I just swallow it and offer it up?

 

[bearkatjen]

I can’t see you work, but if your supervisors are consistently editing and criticizing your work, then it doesn’t sound like you are learning from their criticism and turning in work at the level they expect. I’m not saying you’re turning in bad work, just not what they need your work to be in that particular environment.

If you’re new, then it might also be awhile before your supervisors are comfortable enough to give you more independence at work.

 

[Schieffelin]

I can’t see you work, but if your supervisors are consistently editing and criticizing your work, then it doesn’t sound like you are learning from their criticism and turning in work at the level they expect. I’m not saying you’re turning in bad work, just not what they need your work to be in that particular environment.

If you’re new, then it might also be awhile before your supervisors are comfortable enough to give you more independence at work.

Thanks for your response. The thing is that I’m not new, been there several years and in all my annual reviews they I get very positive feedback. So I’m not sure why in my day-to-day interactions they sometimes want to micromanage. It seems to me that given the results of my work I deserve a little bit longer leash than they have me on right now. (I work in marketing/sales so yes, you can measure the results of my work). I just get the feeling I don’t do things in the “style” they are used to and it makes them uncomfortable. I’m always torn between doing what I think will be effective and doing what I think will please them.

 

[Nec5]

Remember that 20% of the people do 80% of the work. It’s entirely possible that you’re one of the real worker bees, and your bosses tear at your work to justify their jobs. It happens far more often than people think.

As others have pointed out, the details of your situation (known only to you) would clarify your assessment of the criticism.

 

[cmscms]

II feel that most of the other people in my department including my boss are extremely risk-averse and set in their ways.

My first though after reading your post is perhaps the other people in your department are so sick of having their worked criticized, they just stick to the routine to avoid the boss tearing their ideas apart.

One thing I have learned in the work force is no matter how right you are, if you are not on side with the majority it is going to be a lonely road.

CM

 

[Schieffelin]

Thanks for the comments. I’m guess i’m just getting really tired of being shot down all the time. But I don’t want to indulge too much in self-pity so maybe I just need to accept that this is often one of the realities of having a job.