Tip of the week: How to tame a control-freak boss

Establish a rapport; Make sure you’re on the same page; Flatter lightly

Establish a rapport. “Overtly confronting a controller boss is risky.” If you value your job, build a relationship before discussing thorny topics. Demanding bosses reward loyalty, so “accept your role as the reliable soldier and demonstrate support.” Use the connection you build to study the boss’s “willingness to receive feedback.”

Make sure you’re on the same page. Control freaks “often give vague or incomplete instructions,” so it’s up to you to “clearly define goals and time frames up front” to avoid being reprimanded later. Controller bosses expect results, so deliver on time and exceed expectations.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us