Frustrated by Micromanagement?
Kent Jacobson, a.k.a. "Mr. Success"

Often, micromanagement is utilized because a manager or person is seeking detailed information about a product, service or even a person for a negative reason. Micromanagement is put in place because there is an underlying need to have a certain level of knowledge. This detailed knowledge is required for a reason and to assist in their decision making process.

What should you do? Look at the situation as a whole and decide if you are alone or part of a larger group under the same micromanagement scrutiny.

If you feel isolated, talk to the person and see if you can discover the cause behind the behavior. You may not be able to get to the reason initially, but try. Maybe there is a misunderstanding and a simple change of behavior through this discussion resolves the cause of the scrutiny. If a discussion does not work, seek assistance from the Human Resource department, or possibly a professional counselor. Explain your situation and request their assistance in investigation the situation. Based on this gathered information you need to assess what is right for you and ultimately if change is required. It may be time to seek an alternate position within a different department or outside the company.

If the situation appears to be spread across the general population, the negative signs can be related to a company's cash flow or possibly a pending reduction in staff.  You may not find the exact reason, but investigating a few key areas of the company is important because your future is at stake. General company indicators are; has the sales forecast been met? Any items not delivered as promised? Did the company have a recent budget review? Have the budgets been exhausted, was a big order booked that can not possibly be met?

Micromanagement is a very negative management technique, a de-motivator and causes untold amounts of stress.  Look at your situation, make sure you are not the cause, try to understand what's behind the behavior and be willing to initiate change if required. Remember, take charge of your daily life and success will follow.