Micro-Managing Control Freaks

[va32h]

How do you deal with this kind of person?

This past weekend, my company's home office sent someone down to assist us with a special project. We didn't think we needed the assistance, which may have got things off on the wrong foot for us to begin with.

Anyway, this person was a total micro-managing control freak! Some examples:

• Moving my printer to the other side of my desk, because she thought it would flow better that way.
  
  Painstakingly demonstrating the way she tears paper off the printer, and insisting I do it the same way.
  
  Showing another employee how to properly fold paper.
  
  Showing another employee how to properly check off boxes on a form (and I mean literally critiquing the use of a check mark vs an X mark and where to place the check)
  
  Getting so upset that someone mis-pronounced her name that she purposely called them by the wrong name for the rest of the day.
  
  Constantly criticizing our workspace, saying she could never work in such a disorganized, messy way.
  
  Going out to the office supply store and purchasing supplies so she could set up our reception area exactly like it is in her office, despite our explanation of why we had ours set up differently.
  

She drove us bonkers all weekend, and I would have loved to tell her so, but 1) I like my job and 2) she is technically my superior, so it would have been risking my job to do so.

So instead, I just went along with whatever she said, and mentally told her off, and reminded myself and my staff that we could just go back to doing everything our way as soon as she was gone, and would probably not see her again for at least a year, if at all.

Some people felt I should have been more vocal about defending myself, and especially my staff. That people continue to behave this way because no one ever calls them to account for their behavior. Basically, that I was being wimpy.

What would you have done? And I mean realistically - knowing that this would affect your job and future with a company that you like very much.

 

[mickeyboat]

Do you think there was a way you could have demonstrated your support of your co-workers without having jeopardized your job?

I am the kind of person who will let things go, and mentally tell someone off - and vent to my friends. But there were times I think my employees really needed me to stand up for them, and I didn't. It is hard to balance what situations need action, and what ones don't.

Denae

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I think you handled it the right way. It would be different if they were in your face every day. However, why rock the boat if as you said, you probably won't have to see this person for another year.

 

[Galahad]

How do you deal with this kind of person?

I married her. I learned to do what I was told - nay - I even learned to anticipate what I might someday be told - and to smile while doing it. Worked for me.

 

[SwedishMeatball]

I married her. I learned to do what I was told - nay - I even learned to anticipate what I might someday be told - and to smile while doing it. Worked for me.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

I married her. I learned to do what I was told - nay - I even learned to anticipate what I might someday be told - and to smile while doing it. Worked for me.

Ohmy goodness, I was going to post nearly the same thing, except change her to him. I have to admit, my DH being this way has its positives. Since he believes only his way is the right way he does most of the cleaning and organizing around the house. I love it. I admit it used to bother me, but once I accpeted it and realized it was not a reflection on me, oh man, it's great.