Micromanagers want to take responsibility for every detail. It’s their strategy for creating safety. But the safety it creates comes at a cost. It’s the cost of other people’s sense of autonomy and freedom. And when any of us lose our sense of autonomy or freedom, we begin to resent the situation or person that “took” it from us.
It’s possible to course correct. A micromanager who is aware of their tendencies can notice the underlying fear that’s driving their control tactics and seek other forms of safety. But the most pivotal moves come from the autonomous, free-spirit: micromanagers will learn a lot more from you leaning in and naming the possible fear, than they will from you withdrawing and sitting on your resentments.