How do you effectively deal with a boss that is a micro manager?

I ama senior associate at a firm where the Partner I do most of my work for used to be a junior partner and a workhorse. They are now in a position of leadership and are trying to transition from managing the work product itself to managing people who will in turn do the work. The partners I used to work for at another firm had a very different style and were far more empowering.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

Speaking as a partner who is making this transition, what I desperately want is someone I can trust to handle things correctly that I can delegate to. In short, treat the partner as your client and show them how you will work with/for said client, accommodate their quirks and anticipate their needs. Once the partner sees they can trust you, then will stop micromanaging as much, which will be a huge relief for both of you.

Best of luck!

likehelpful

Often the driver is a lack of trust/inability to trust. (Other times it’s them trying to churn bills).

Get on the same page on how they want things done and their style of writing.

Set up weekly meetings to go over the gameplan and get their approval on next steps. It might be helpful to send an agenda in advance with a status of where things are. Eventually you’ll prove yourself and they’ll ease up.

Other times they nitpick for the sake of nitpicking or because they don’t have enough to do. Those sorts you bury with work. Send them a draft of every email for their blessing. Every draft with minor revision goes to them. Eventually they won’t have the bandwidth for that and you’ll be free.

like

Related Posts

Hi all,

The status on my ibegin portal of TCS is showing evaluated. What is the meaning of this? Salary discussion is done already. How much time will it take approximately to receive the offer letter?

like

Can anyone tell me what is in hand salary will get? Do tcs pay that monthly performance pay or they will deduct?

Post Photo
like

“Released to RMG. Update your skill profile”…what to do next ? I recently joined and was assigned to a project but their requirements changed and my manager has released me effective 10 Feb. What should I do next to get assigned to a project?

like

Is Capgemini a good place for a recent grad to learn more and solidify skills in statistics and machine learning? Would I be able to work on different projects? Good experience to get into big tech?

Visiting Toronto in September, I've been there many times and have had a good time, though I've never fallen in love with the City. What are some of your suggestions for visitors beyond St. Lawrence market, CN tower and distillery district?

Also any recommendations for Prince Edward County? Favourite restaurants, wineries, towns and view points?

Would love to fall in love with Ontario this trip :)

Thanks!

like

Anyone work at ProAssurance/MedMarc? Have potential to move for 25% higher salary and fully remote work, but wondering if there’s advancement opportunity and how the culture is. Thanks!

like

PwC Hong Kong has been appointed to advise to Open ANX foundation

Looking to buy an 💍. Might make a trip to India in 6 months. Any advice on helping me make the decision to buy in US vs India?

like

Dear connections. I have 8 years of experience in kyc/aml and my current ctc is 5.5 with the role senior analyst. Please refer me if there are any opportunities in kyc/aml (chennai and banglore)

like

Snowy mountains and islands of Prince William Sound

Post Photo
like

I've noticed that the engineers keep their mouths shut whenever they're asked for feedback, but when they're alone, they talk about how much they wish they could change management.

Why is that?

like

Hi Fish, this is regarding the ITS Accreditation Program. Is anyone attending the same in Mumbai. Have a few query

like

“We had complimenting genitalia.”

likefunny

Blow me one last kiss 😘

likefunny

Are there actually tax cuts switching from home office in NYC to Hoboken?

like

Best place to get eyebrows done in the East village area? Recently moved to the city and have to find a new place to do them. I have thick eyebrows and would like to keep them that way 🥴

like

Are u supposed to tip the luggage carrier/ outside agent the airport? this is the guy who is outside your terminal, he prints ur tick, tags your bag and sends u on ur way. No, right?

What is the salary for Video editor with 9 years of experience?

like

Hi, does anyone know about kyndryl GTS development lab? Is it good to join as a data scientist?

Increasingly difficult to hold on to both....

Post Photo
likefunny

Additional Posts in Law

I’m getting ready for my first telephonic Case Management Conference as a first year associate. I’ve never been “in front” of a judge before. I received some training and I look forward to the experience, but I’m a little nervous about having to speak in front of the judge. I know the case, but I’m afraid I’ll freeze and make a fool of myself. Any advice re: court calls, courtroom etiquette, or stories about your first times in front of judges?

like

Hardest part of navigating maternity leave and WLB as a junior partner?

like

I want to get out of ID so badly. I don’t mind the work but the hours are just killing me. I just started at a new firm less than 6 months ago and I am already desperate to get out. It is not the firm or the people. I just hate the high billables. I have been applying to other jobs but I think I may need a recruiter for help. Any recommendation for a great recruiter in NYC?

like

Work is an emotional rollercoaster - change my mind.

like

I am legitimately worried that Trump might take the country down or start a civil war. This is legitimately weighing on me. Does anyone have any words of wisdom?

likefunny

How often do temporary "might-become-permanent" type jobs (at small/mid size firms) actually become permanent?

like

If I leave big law for ADA will I get canceled?

like

How long is acceptable to ask to decide on an offer, especially when another place you really want to work at is moving a bit slower? I know this question has been asked before but I feel like 2022 has been its own beast in the legal market and would appreciate any advice. Thank you!

like

If there were no practical obstacles whatsoever, what area(s) of law OTHER than your current practice area would you want to explore, and why?

I’ve been so specialized for so long I’m not even sure how to answer this question for myself. Once upon a time I was somewhat interested in tax but I’m worried that’s where fun goes to die. I kinda dig admin law, although that’s cheating a bit because I work with a federal agency.

like

California 🐟 does your vacation payout when you leave your job get taxed at regular wage, or bonus, levels? Does your employer have discretion to choose?

like

Anyone know when Ch. 7 BKs must close by? Is this changed by when there are adversary proceedings (alleged fraudulent transfers made to a bank for CC payments)? Asking for my friend who is unfortunately involved bc of his parents, who are the debtors (he isn’t a defendant or a debtor in this, but the payments were made to a CC in his name—a CC he didnt know was opened in his name).

Its in Texas, and the initial BK filing was made about 23 months ago. TIA!

like

Entering 3rd year at mid size firm in SE doing ID. I like my firm but really dont like the partner i exclusively work with and am going to put in notice. Do i tell the partner i work with first or the managing partner?

like

Feel like I am potentially on the verge of developing tendonitis / carpal tunnel. I try to keep my (standing) desk ergonomically aligned but the reality is that I spend 8-14 hrs a day typing (and, probably, tense) and I’m concerned about rendering myself physically unable to do this job. Anyone dealt with this?

likehelpful

What’s your take on Lydecker? What is the culture? Market salary? Expectation on billable hours? Mentorship? Etc.?

like

What’s average salary in ID firm mid size (NY) about 350 attorneys ? Class of 2019 but was in public sector (criminal law) for 2 years! 2000 billable hours minimum

like

Brand new baby lawyer dumb question - I am tasked with drafting response to request to produce. How long should this take? And follow up… how do I bill this?

like

How many bonuses come around in a year at the average law firm? Number of occurrences more importantly, but y’all can provide amount too if you like

like

Career Sabbatical?

Can anyone who has taken a career sabbatical to travel/explore other interests share their experience with both leaving their jobs and returning to the legal field?
I really want to live in Asia for a year at least before I have to settle down and start a family. I’m not getting younger but don’t want to be reckless with my career.

like

Does your firm give you credit for hours that were written off? Sometimes I feel if you don’t lose anything for hours cut from the bill, you have incentives not to be 100% honest w/ your timesheet.

like

If I'm applying to a firm as a second year and the application requires a writing sample, would it be better to attach a brief I wrote in law school, or a brief written during my limited practice, which was revised by both a senior associate and shareholder?

likesmart

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal