In short
Managing a “macro manager” (big-picture boss) who cancels one-on-ones, doesn’t respond to emails, and assumes the employee will handle details.
Guest backgrounds
No guests mentioned; it’s a discussion between hosts/participants about management advice.
Key claims
A hands-off boss may be trusting you but may not know what support you need. New managers should proactively request clarity instead of assuming. Provide specific guidance requests and written priorities, then ask for sign-off.
Notable examples
Send an email listing three monthly priorities needing guidance; write a note with your understanding and explicitly ask to discuss and get approval.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VONavigating Macro Management Challenges
0:04 to 0:27
Discover strategies to effectively communicate with a macro manager.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
Navigating Macro Management Challenges
0:56 to 1:57
Discover strategies to effectively communicate with a macro manager.
“How do you deal with a micromanager or a macro manager?”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:01This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks. Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required. Compatibility and availability varies 18+. Listen to the heartbeat. Chevy is called the heartbeat of America for a reason. With SUVs made to move with your rhythm.
0:35The versatile Equinox tackles your entire day. The spacious Traverse fits your crew and your whole weekend. And Trax brings style with value you can count on. All infused with tech that has your back. So your drive always hits the right chord. Chevrolet. Together let's drive. How do you deal with a micromanager or a macro manager? I misread that. I'm a new manager myself, and my manager is very hands-off and delegates most tasks to me. I want to be helpful, but I'm quickly getting overwhelmed. The macro manager, the one who's like, I'm so focused on the big picture. I don't possibly have time to, you know, I cancel all my one-on-ones with you.
1:17I don't respond to your emails. I just assume you're going to do it. Being very specific about what you need. You mentioned you're a new manager. It may be that your boss is just trusting you and doesn't actually know what kind of support you need. Sit down, send an email, you know, be very clear. These are the three things that would be super helpful to get your guidance on this month. What I would do, write out a note saying, here are the priorities that I am setting for myself based on my understanding. I would love to discuss this with you. In any case, I'll await your sign off. You kind of have to say, I need your input.
1:53We think people should know what we need, and often they don't. We have to tell them.
From the publisher
Dealing with a Macromanager
17 Oct 2024
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Everyone’s dealt with a micromanager at some point. But how do you deal with a boss who is too hands-off, who delegates so much that you’d call them a macromanager? Women at Work co-hosts Amy Gallo and Amy Bernstein have some suggestions.
Listen to HBR’s Women at Work podcast for more advice from Amy and Amy: https://s.hbr.org/4eJCr8Y
Season 10 starts October 21!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
