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Communication Control Freaks

When my manager gives me assignments, he tells me about his expectations, and he gives me a hard copy. Then he usually says the same thing in a voicemail and email. I don't appreciate being treated like a child. However, I like the company and I like my manager, except for this. What should I do?



Because of the enormous potential for miscommunication and the myriad problems that can emerge as a result, many managers today are advised to use redundancy, repetition, and reiteration when communicating with their team. However, it is possible that your manager has gone ad infinitum on this one.

If he communicates like this to everyone who reports to him, one approach is to just accept it, especially since you enjoy reporting to him. Besides, the excessive communication is neither hurtful nor bullying, and it may even prevent future mistakes.

However, if he is reserving this level of communication just for you, then you should meet with him and ask if your performance merits such a high level of communication. His response is going to determine your next step, but you should come to this meeting with facts that demonstrate your ability to work productively without such follow-up.

Be sure to emphasize how much time he can save by sending fewer of these messages to you. You might also suggest that he cut back on a trial basis, such as for a month or two, and then evaluate the results. However, even if he does not change at all, redundancy is not the worst thing in world. But, you have heard that before.



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