“I was hired for my expertise—but it feels like they want to manage every keystroke.”
You start the day ready to deliver—then find yourself micromanaged into mediocrity.
Every move is checked. Every email is questioned. Every task gets reworded, reshaped, or quietly taken away.
And after a while, you stop offering ideas. You shrink the way you work. You start second-guessing everything. Not because you’re unsure—but because you’re not trusted.
It’s frustrating. But it’s also dangerous—because it doesn’t just erode performance, it erodes confidence.
Three Moves to Start Changing the Dynamic
This won’t flip the whole relationship overnight—but it can shift how you show up, and what they see.
1. Anticipate the questions—and answer them first
If they always ask why you’ve done something a certain way, pre-empt it.
“Here’s the approach I’ve taken—and why I think it’s the best fit.”
Start managing up, calmly and proactively.
2. Ask to own a small piece of something end-to-end
Instead of pushing back against control, create a safe experiment:
“Would it help if I ran this part solo and gave you a full update by Friday?”
You’re not demanding independence—you’re offering speed and focus.
3. Build visible credibility beyond your boss
Sometimes micromanagers can’t see who you really are.
So start small:
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- Share your work cross-functionally
- Volunteer for something that plays to your strengths
- Let others see your capability—and trust may follow
When This Starts to Shift
You start to feel like yourself again.
You move faster. You think bigger. You contribute more freely.
And, crucially—you remember how good you are when you’re allowed to be.
Because when trust grows, performance follows.
And when you’re finally seen as the capable, confident professional you are—you don’t just get more freedom…
You start creating your own runway.
The Gautrey Influence Blog
Ever felt overlooked, unheard, or stuck in office politics? You’re not alone. The Gautrey Influence Blog breaks down the real-world strategies behind leadership, influence, and power—giving you the tools to be heard, respected, and successful. Join 35,000+ professionals getting ahead the smart way—subscribe now..
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