When Your Boss Is a Dictator

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A common complaint I hear as a consultant is that the big boss is seen as a dictator or micromanager. In confidence, these employees, sometimes managers in their own right, share that they feel overwhelmed and helpless. They like their job but cannot fathom the idea of being bossed around for every little aspect of their work life.

Some bosses believe the company cannot function without their incessant checking and frequent commandeering of your job. If the plan isn’t theirs, it can’t be any good. These bosses may come across as arrogant or rude. They check on you and your work so often that it is unnerving, and this makes you question your ability to do your job well. Remember that the boss is the one with the problem, but you can both come out ahead.

Dictatorial bosses won’t let their own managers manage. They’re so scared of losing control that being in control is their main aim. But their refusal to relinquish and delegate power can paralyze operations. Subordinates shut out of the loop are still held accountable. This can create an incredibly frustrating environment.

These micromanagers make every decision and spell out every procedure. Their tight rein chokes innovation and insults their workers’ intelligence. Try to argue with them and you get slapped down or punished with burdensome schedules and workloads. Further, they may resent it when you are right because they think you make them look bad.

What You’re Thinking

Maybe my boss does know more than I do, but I certainly could figure out how to proceed without her constant input. I resent the power she has over me. I’m intimidated because I’m dependent on her to keep my job. If I follow her commands for this initiative, the project will be a disaster. I guess I could quit, but I really don’t want to. How can I get her to back off and ease up on me?

What She’s Thinking

I can’t allow my people to teeter off course. I must keep insisting they follow my directives to the letter. I’d better check on Jack again. He seemed to be developing something on his own. He keeps arguing with me but only sees his piece of the puzzle. He doesn’t see the big picture, and his ideas would only mess things up for me.

Strategy

Your goal is to have a say in how you do your job and to be given the freedom you need to perform well.

1. Change your approach. Prepare what you’ll say, guided by your notes of the boss’s past responses. You can disagree pleasantly without saying, “You’re wrong.” Instead of attacking your boss’s conclusions, share why it is in their best interest to try a different route. You don’t want revenge; you want input and authority.
2. Appeal to the desire to appear professional. Coming across well among their own peer group and with higher-ups is important to micromanagers. Empathize and temper their insecurity. Help your boss look good and you’ll look good.
3. Present your best ideas as directly or indirectly coming from your boss. You and your boss are a team. You’re working together. Build trust by asking for approval when your proposal wasn’t part of your delegated responsibility.
4. Keep your boss informed. Send regular email updates. When your boss gives you an order, present an outline of what you’ll do by when. Loss of control frightens micromanagers, so provide enough detail to avoid questions later.

Tip: You must decide your own priorities and what you can do to bring about change. Stop tearing yourself to pieces when you’re convinced your boss is headed in the wrong direction. State your case persuasively, then let it go. It’s the boss’s decision and responsibility. If you’re right and the boss messes up, it’s the boss who faces the consequences. Try to open the lines of communication. Should the atmosphere become so unbearable that you can’t accept it, then start a job search.

Copyright© 2023 Amy Cooper Hakim