Status Updates

Stable, well-run organizations rarely have micromanagers in positions of authority.

Micromanagers don't inspire loyalty in their subordinates. The constant nitpicking and control causes chaos amongst the ranks, with the capabilities of others called into question. It becomes a crisis of identity for those who are micromanaged: "Am I actually good at what I do?"

The need to control comes from the manager's insecurity, either from their own mind or other sources of instability within the organization. When someone is overly concerned about the status of a project, it could be a sign they're overly concerned about their status within the project.

When we tie our identity to status, it becomes easier to justify being a jerk. If you are a person of status and importance, it becomes easier to treat others as if they are not. Jockeying for a position within social structures often leads other people to feel unvalued and exploited.

In this scenario, we're faced with two strategies if we stay under a micromanager: either we manage up and overcommunicate our status updates or accept our new status as imposters who need to be controlled.

I, for one, have no intention of welcoming our new overlords.