How to deal with a manager who doesn’t manage

If you’re used to a micromanaging boss, it might seem like a dream to have a boss that leaves you alone. But too much of that can also be a bad thing.

No one enjoys working for a boss who is constantly checking up on them and micromanaging their every move. We’re motivated by a certain degree of autonomy to achieve goals based on intrinsic talent, not just external feedback and direction. But when your boss is regularly unengaged for long stretches of time, the joy of independence may soon shift to concern about their capacity and commitment to help you achieve your career goals. An absentee boss can lead to feelings of alienation, job dissatisfaction, and stress.