[mlroberts39]

I started a new job as assistant manager at a university bookstore about a month ago. My job entails being the manager of the text division. I really like the people I work with, and my manager has been great for the most part. She's very anal, however, and tends to give me a project, then take over and do it herself. I can't say I wasn't warned by the staff that this is how she is, and not to take it personally, but sometimes I feel like maybe I'm just not "getting it" fast enough and that's why she's like that. It seems like I go home every day feeling like I didn't measure up in at least one respect. Am I just being oversensitive because I'm new and want so badly to do a good job? Mel

[PartyPlanner]

The short answer is Yes. Your boss (which I tend to refer to as a micro-manager) needs to learn that she can trust you, and that will take a while. What you need to do is become "just as anal" (your words) as she is, and do things the way she wants them done. That isn't to say that your way is wrong, she just needs things her way (not about wrong or right - but we could have a conversation about that!). Once trust is there, then you can perhaps get a little more flexibility.

Think about when you were a child learning to make your bed. Your mom probably fixed it for you. You made your bed, but not the way mom wanted it made. Did you worry about it? Nope, you eventually learned to make it the way she wanted, and over time she stopped fixing it for you. Does that mean your child way making the bed was wrong? No, it just means that mom needed it done a certain way (at least for a while).

Same applies to your job. Be patient, don't take it personally, work the way she needs you to work, and eventually you will feel trusted, that you measure up and that you are doing a good job

[Jeannine312]

Definitely, don't take anything personally. Your fellow employees told you that she does that for everyone. You can't let your supervisor's shortcomings affect your view of yourself. Be patient with her. Perhaps she's the oldest child and/or has found in the past that her evaluation is too dependent on her employees. Thus, she has the need to make certain that things are done as to her definition of "correctly".

Continue to work hard. Eventually, your boss will learn to trust you and/or you'll get used to her stepping in and taking over. Hopefully, she is pleasant in the process.

As you get to know her better, you can ask for more projects. She most likely won't be able to keep up with all of them. Plus, sooner or later, she has to go on vacation or sick days. Once you are successful without her help, she'll be more willing to let you go solo.

Since you work at a university, you can find other ways to get involved and to prove yourself across campus, if that is important to you, such as committees and taskforce meetings. If you are willing, opportunities abound for getting involved. Good luck!

[Momof3]

Be patient! You've only been in the role for a month and it takes time to develop a relationship with a new manager. When I start with a new manager, I always like to schedule a "get to know you" meeting to discuss leadership style, expectations, preferences, etc. If you have not already done so, I would encourage you to be proactive and schedule this meeting. Then, I would schedule regular "check-ins" with your boss to stay on top of things, ask for feedback, and GIVE feedback. I can say all of this with confidence because my boss is a micromanager but has learned to leave me alone so that I can provide her with proactive and effective support. She's the best! Good luck!

[mlroberts39]

Well, almost 2 months into the job, you are all right. My boss and I are developing a good working relationship. I'm working hard to prove that she made a good choice in hiring me. It's a great place to work, and I'm really happy. Thank you all! Mel