Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to a manager who micromanages their team
Read the approach below, or skip ahead and get a plan written for your own situation.
Plan my conversation — free ↓Why the usual approach fails
Telling a micromanager to "trust the team" doesn't work, because the behavior comes from a real fear: that a mistake will land on them. Until that's on the table, they'll agree with you and keep doing it. Coach the fear and the standard, not the personality.
How to open
"I want to talk about how work moves through your team. Last week you rewrote Sam's proposal yourself the night before it was due. I understand why — and I think it's costing you and the team more than it's saving."
Ask before you tell
- "What were you worried would happen if you'd sent it back to Sam?"
- "What does your team learn when you fix it for them?"
- "What would have to be true for you to hand that back next time?"
What to agree before you leave the room
One category of work they'll review with comments only — no rewriting — for two weeks, then look at the results together.
Make it yours — free
Edit the details below to match your situation and get a full five-step COACH plan by email.
Other conversations
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- How to talk to an employee who undermines you →
Built on the COACH method by Jon Kludt, Business Coach · Certified EOS Implementer® · thecoachconversation.com