5. He is standing right behind you

This is a subtle trick some managers may employ to spy on employees. If you see your boss standing behind you, reading aloud everything on your screen, you might be micromanaged.

4. He might be hiding in your bushes

You are sick and working from home. Your smart doorbell sends an alert that someone is walking by, and you hear rustling in the bushes outside your window. Is it an animal, or is it your boss? Micromanaging bosses are really good at hiding in plain sight. So, you may not notice him looking in through the window and watching your every move.

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3. He might be recording you as you sleep

It’s the middle of the night, and you are asleep. Suddenly, you hear a tripod being set up and a voice saying, “Recording of sleeping employee, take one.” Is it your boss, or are you having a lucid dream? Did you just see your boss? Why is he wearing your clothes? If you have experienced any of this, your boss might be micromanaging you.

2. A coworker tells you the boss is micromanaging you

You mention to a coworker your concerns that the boss might be micromanaging you, and he responds, “Oh, he definitely is.” Cryptic! What could that mean? It might be a sign your boss is micromanaging you.

1. Your boss responds when someone says your name

Did a coworker ask what you were doing this weekend, and your boss responded? Why does he know your plans? Wait, did he just say he spent the night at your mom’s house? Oh no.

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