When Micromanagement Meets Conflict: Using IRR and SMART to Resolve the Real Issue

Written by Cari Borden

🧠 Scenario:

Meet Jordan, a mid-level team lead who’s frustrated. Her boss, Rick, micromanages every task, from approving minor emails to reworking slide decks Jordan already perfected. It’s slowing the team down and killing morale. She’s tried subtle hints, but nothing changes. Tension is building.

💡 Conflict Resolution Using IRR

1. Identification:
Jordan acknowledges the core issue: Rick’s micromanagement isn’t about control; it’s about insecurity or lack of trust.

🔍 “This isn’t just annoying, it’s impacting performance and trust within the team.”

2. Recognition:
She reflects on how this is affecting her reactions. Instead of snapping, she recognizes her triggers (feeling undervalued, disrespected).

💭 “I feel disempowered. But if I confront him without emotional intelligence, it’ll escalate.”

3. Resolution:
She schedules a calm, focused 1:1 conversation and uses SMART:

🧩 Conflict Conversation Aligned to SMART

SMART Principle	Applied to Conflict Resolution
S – Self-Awareness	Jordan checks in with her feelings and motives before approaching Rick. She’s not there to attack—she wants alignment.
M – Mindful Communication	She uses “I” statements: “I’ve noticed I work best when given space to own my tasks.”
A – Active Listening	She invites Rick’s perspective: “Is there something that’s made you feel you need to be more involved lately?”
R – Respectful Accountability	She suggests a system of regular check-ins vs. daily oversight. They agree on boundaries that build trust.
T – Trust Building	Over time, they practice transparency and celebrate when the team performs well independently. Trust becomes mutual.

✨ Takeaway:

Conflict isn’t about “fixing” the other person, it’s about understanding the dynamic and choosing a SMART way to resolve it. Micromanagement often masks deeper concerns. When you identify, recognize, and resolve with intention, you don’t just defuse conflict, you grow as a leader.

📣 CTA:

If you’ve ever felt smothered by a manager or misunderstood in a leadership role, you’re not alone. Let’s talk conflict, clarity, and courage. Subscribe, share, or reach out through my Fiverr coaching to start building your SMART strategy today.