Micromanagement. Yuck, what an icky term. Even the word sounds defeating to me. I can imagine that you hear the word ‘micromanage’ and a chill runs down your spine as you think of an old boss that did you wrong.
Guess what? I can too…
I’ve had my fair share of nursing leadership that did anything but lead me to success. So it’s a good idea to vent, complain, and get upset about these individuals and their practices- right? Wrong!
Now before I get into the tips on how to deal with micromanagement and what you can do to rise above the rest… I’d also like to point out that those of you reading may think that this only happens at the front line staff level. I want to point out right up front that this is far from the truth. Even those people that we feel are micromanaging us are struggling with micromanagement in nursing.
That’s right… the people above us experience it too. They may have someone in the financial office breathing down their neck. Or maybe the C-suite leadership is telling them what to do. I want to throw caution to the group here and say that it’s not just you that experiences this type of leadership in nursing.
It’s pervasive throughout. And the reason why? Well, for the most part people are stressed out to the max. That and they were never really taught how to ‘lead’. Leadership is definitely different than management and so we’ve got to be mindful of our own reactions to the micro-manager for their just might be one in all of us!
OK- let’s move on to greener pastures and talk about how we can raise the bar and set ourselves above this professional tide.
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- Monitor Your Reactions. I gotta tell you. I have a TERRIBLE poker face. Maybe that’s why I’ve never lasted in a job more than five years. I cannot keep my feelings off of my face and what that often leads to is my bosses knowing just how badly I feel. Then I can’t keep it in and I lash out. Not a good look. What I have learned from real life experience and time is that the best way to be a professional nurse is to monitor your behaviors. Instead of reacting to how management behaves, check yourself. Take pause in the moment and be sure to process this outside of work. That way when you are in the situations of micromanagement you can keep your professional head about you. And think about this- what are you reacting to? Did you know that what we often see (and dislike) in others is a mirror to how we show up in the world? I’m just saying…
- Talk it Out. This step builds upon the previous. If you know you have to deal with a micro-manager in nursing, it’s best to have a plan. Get support. See a counselor. Talk to an academic adviser. If possible, schedule a meeting with that particular person causing you stress. If you keep those feelings held inside they will surely be like a pot that you left on the stove for much to long. First it boils over… then it just blackens and you’ve got even bigger issues on your hands. Try not to keep your feelings inside and seek wise counsel when you can.
- Know and Be Yourself. This is my favorite tip. Why? Often the micromanagement we experience in nursing causes us to feel stifled in our roles. When I feel that I am being micromanaged, I can barely breathe. It’s like my authentic self is being told to ‘Shut Up’ and go away. Not a good look for someone who truly believes in how we are all individual beings meant to shine. This is actually a two-fer. First, know your values. Who are you at the core? And two, stand up for you. If you are feeling stifled, it’s OK to say something. No matter how hard that may feel. When you know, trust, and love to be yourself- you want to stand up for you each and every day!
Hard topic… but gotta get it out there. What did we miss? What would you add to the above list? How have you dealt with a micro-manager in your nursing career? Share a comment below and thanks for reading.
About the Author: As a speaker, workshop facilitator, and Reiki Master, Elizabeth partners with hospitals, organizations, associations, and nursing groups to help transform the field of nursing from the inside out. As the host of the Your Next Shift Workshop, Elizabeth guides nurses and nursing students to a change in perspective, helping them make the inner shift needed to better maneuver the sometimes challenging realities of being a caregiver.
So true…. monitoring your reactions is so important. I keep a mirror on my desk and check in with my facial expressions when talking on the phone or responding to a student complaint.
Donna,
What a great idea! A mirror on the desk. That is wonderful. I thank you for sharing that tip with our readers. I may have to add that to my home office. Enjoy the day, Elizabeth
I have come from a private hospital (20 yrs +) to a teaching hospital. I have come from having a lot of autonomy to having very little.
Now I feel like I’m not even a part of the plan/care team. We are so micromanaged by not only the doctors but the charge nurses too. I feel like somebody has let the wind out of my sail. I’m a labor and delivery RN and I have always loved my job, I can no longer say that. I came here because staffing ratios are really good but is it worth it if I feel so suffocated? I get questioned about everything. It’s not just me, it is the culture here.
So sorry you are feeling like this. I can completely understand. It sounds a lot like the teaching hospital I resigned from. Take good care of you!
I think you share an important concept to keep in the back of our minds when experiencing this, often our manager is experiencing the same issues. For those working in nursing administration and management as THE leader, this should raise awareness of the impact our leadership skills trickle down to others on all levels and the positive, or negative, outcomes that can result on all.
Thanks, Rachel. Great point. We’ve got to be aware that we all impact each other. And that we’re there for one and only thing- the good of the patient. Being able to walk in another person’s shoes takes practice. Yet, is a great skill to have. Thanks for pointing this out. Enjoy the day, Elizabeth
I agree with Dr. Rachel and your comments Elizabeth about how OUR managers are often being micromanaged as well. I’ve always thought this in my positions over the years, and it’s kept me pretty cool about the changes in administration/healthcare. And, I feel that I always have the option to leave my environment before the negativity takes over. Saves my poker face!
Great to hear, Marsha. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and share your thoughts. Elizabeth
Whoa, Elizabeth! You described my reaction to a “T”! I also think you have isolated an important part of the ‘gap’ between frontline professionals and leaders that lead to disengagement and related issues. I agree with you about stress and think that micromanaging can be an effort to control things when they seem so out of control. I also think there are individual and organizational losses when there is excessive micromanaging.
I hate being micromanaged b/c I feel disrespected and my creativity restricted, but I bet there are plenty of leaders who do not mean to be respectful and would like my ideas. Like you, I feel like my ‘authentic’ self is being told to ‘shut up’! UGH Yet I also know managing a unit or facility is extremely challenging and sometimes we need to have structure and rules keep us on track.
Your tips are great and rich with emotionally intelligent wisdom. What do you think about elaborating in your 2nd or 3rd step to consider having a conversation with you manager about it? A very personal decision of course, but one that might lead to new understanding and opportunity. Maybe even less micromanaging and more creativity.
Great input from Donna and Rachel, btw.
We understand our manager may also be micromanaged. It’s the condescending verbal reprimanding that beats us down! We are experienced professionals who want to be respected & apppreciated by management; when that’s not happening, morale is low & staff leaves. The micromanaging style shows a lack of trust & understanding for we do as professional nurses. Managers need training in how to talk to and support staff, rather than ignore accomplishments and make most interactions punitive.
Good Happy 4th of July….I am at present time a PCT/Patient care tech. Licensed and certified by the state. I am being critiqued by an uncertified hired young lady that observed me at a bad time. She went directly to the higher up. I have since changed so much that all nurses are keeping an eye on me. I am to the point of My authentic self. The patients relate to me. I give them emotional support and do my job duties well. I dont stand around gossiping with the nurse leader as the new girl they hired that is not a certified tech. The nurse leader picks a different RN each shift i am there to keep an ear on my communication with the patients. SO much so I decided to transfer. The atmosphere is toxic to those that are authentic. There is more to this. I will not go into all the Ugliness. I am done.