How do you diplomatically explain to someone one job title above you that they're not your boss? Someone I do the same work as has starte doing a lot of micromanaging though I'm not dropping the ball.

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Do they own the workstream you’re referring to?

And obviously if they own it they own it

I’d suggest just sitting down with them and sharing what you see as your strengths and the things you need to succeed. If you do it in the context of “we’re working closely together and I wanted to share what helps me and understand what helps you” you’ll probably cover it, earn their respect, and learn more about what motivates them in the process.
Good luck!

If it goes badly you should take your actual boss for coffee and ask whether they think this person is your manager. That’ll also clear up a lot.

Well why are you doing the same work? Are you working on the same project? Any time there's more than one strategist on a workstream, roles and responsibilities need to be clear. You can recommend you guys conquer and divide the work but in reality, good strategy needs to be led by one person to have a clear narrative - and if that person is more senior, then it may be assumed that you would help support or align to their lead, which is why they may be trying to manage your work. I wouldn't take it personally - but communication is key.

We do the same TYPE of work on different accounts. So zero double dipping.

Gotcha. Agree with the above of clarifying with your boss if it continues whether they're supposed to be stepping in. Or I'd just stop working whenever they come by and ask what you can help them with. And if they're not on your account you can ask if they got scoped on it as a way to initiate a conversation about their involvement and role in your work.

Maybe someone above you both told the other strategist you were dropping the ball. I’m not managing other copywriters at my office, yet as a “senior” I’m supposed to mentor them and help them. Perhaps you don’t know this person was told to do what they are doing. Maybe just ask

Don't have a boss so I doubt it

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