Your tolerance for micromanagement is probably low. Excessive direction and relentless follow-up leave little space for career growth or creativity. But recently I met a buoyant employee who offered a different perspective regarding his hovering, over-involved boss.

He described how every morning his manager goes over his duties and priorities in detail. My client is a Senior-Level lead stationary engineer for a large local utility. He’s been in his job for years and does not need close supervision. But his experience and capabilities have not changed his boss’s behavior.

I was curious how this employee coped with his helicopter boss. He has three strategies:

First, he accepts his boss as she is. He smiled as he explained he did not expect her to change and had come to terms with her daily detailed involvement with his job.

Second, he considers the unpredictable nature of his work. Every day new challenges arise, and his boss feels she needs to offer guidance. While he could work much more independently, he understands her anxiety.

Finally, he has chosen a positive perspective in general. He is a people person through and through. He seeks to have collaborative relationships with all his co-workers. He does not see himself as a victim. Rather he chooses to enjoy his job every day, despite his overly involved boss.

I was so inspired by the level of reasoning, positivity, and perspective this guy has signed up for. He could boil in a pot of resentment and dissatisfaction but that’s not his jam. He inspired me to reframe any frustration I may have in my career regarding difficult personalities.

Is there anyone you work with or for driving you nuts? Borrow a page from my client and choose a different perspective.

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