Get advice on how to deal with jerks at work Check out the book 'Jerks At Work' and other titles by Ken Lloyd Ph.D. Return to the JerksAtWork.com homepage Learn more about Ken Lloyd, Ph.D. Submit a question to Ken Lloyd, Ph.D.
 

You asked, Ken answers ...

This item is filed under these categories:
Control Freaks Feedback Decision Making Communication

Our new manager told us several times that she believes in shared decision making and we are an important part of the process. Now that she's been here for a month, it's apparent she has to control everything. Is there a way to get her to change?



Your manager's notion of shared decision making means that she makes a decision and then shares it with you. Managers who only wax eloquently about employee empowerment can be quite disarming, but it does not take long for the employees to realize that the manager is the only person who is empowered.

One step is for you and your fellow employees to meet with the new manager and show her how she will benefit by giving you more independence and responsibility. For example, let her see how she will have more time to carry out her own responsibilities, while the staff's skill levels, motivation, satisfaction, and productivity are all likely to increase. You should also make sure she understands that there will be numerous benchmark dates for her to review your progress on any delegated project.

If she still goes white-knuckle in her refusal to loosen the reins, you should wait a short while and then come back. She is gradually going to get to know all of you better, and that should help the cause. In addition, as her desk fills up with her projects and yours, you should offer to take one of them. Sooner or later, she may loosen the grip and then come to grips with the fact that everybody wins by sharing.




Comment on this item

Your name (optional)
If you leave this blank, we'll list you as "Website visitor"


Your comments
Please keep your comments focused on the topic. Thanks!