MoneyDigest - Personal Finance, Lifestyle, Money Saving Tips

One $10 Note Is All You Need to Enjoy Delicious Mains at These 18 F&Bs in Shopping Malls

Taking a little break in between your festive shopping? Rest your legs and tuck into these mains below $10 in shopping malls! Be it your neighbourhood malls or those in town, North or West, with 5 different cuisines to choose from – Thai-Indo, Japanese, Chinese, Local and Vietnamese – be spoilt for choice. Only one red note is needed to fuel up your tummy, don’t say bojio with this list of good value eats in the comfort of a mall!

1. Bali Thai

A perfect fusion of Thai and Indonesian cuisines, Bali Thai definitely does not disappoint. Slurp on the spicy Tom Yum Soup ($7.50), or chow down the XO Fried Rice ($9.80) or Nasi Goreng Buah Keluak ($9.80)!

Locations: Causeway Point (#05-05), IMM Building (#01-21), NEX (#02-13), Suntec City (#B1-121A/121B), Waterway Point (#B1-13), Ngee Ann City (#05-29)

2. White Restaurant

Tuck into The Original White Beehoon (S: $7, M: $12)! Originally prepared as a homely dish by founder Mr Tay King Huak for his family, the dish today has developed into a well-loved dish by all. White Restaurant’s inimitable homemade broth is simmered for more than 8 hours with a combination of chicken feet and bones to extract the sweetness and nutrients. To achieve the fragrance of ‘wok hei’ that all Singaporeans love, this tasty broth is then used to stir-fry the beehoon plate by plate under careful controlled temperature, timing and the right amount of broth.

Locations: Causeway Point (#05-05), IMM Building (#01-21), NEX (#02-13), Suntec City (#B1-121A/121B), Waterway Point (#B1-13), Ngee Ann City (#05-29)

3. Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice

Each plate of Wee Nam Kee’s Chicken Rice ($5.20) comes with tender, lean chicken, fluffy rice and a fragrant bowl of soup! Choose between the Steamed / Roasted Chicken / Roasted Pork / BBQ Pork in the Vegetable Set ($7.50) and the Dumpling Set ($8.30).

Locations: SingPost (#B1-125), Changi City Point (#B1-35), Jurong Point (#B1-60/61), Northpoint City (#B1-52)

4. Ah Chiang’s Traditional Porridge

Tuck into the well-loved favourites such as the Mixed Pork Porridge, Pork Ball Porridge and Sliced Meat Porridge! To ensure the best quality, all ingredients used are fresh and not frozen. The Mixed Pork Porridge boasts fresh pig liver, pig intestines and pork slices that are cooked to perfection; The Pork Ball Porridge is made with freshly hand-kneaded pork balls for a smooth and springy texture. The sets with 2 sides and you tiao retail from $8.50 – $9.50.

Location: Hillion Mall (#01-15/16)

5. Newspaper Curry Rice

You won’t find any shortcuts or instant curry powder here: all of Newspaper Curry Rice’s sauces and recipes are made from scratch, including the homemade sambal, and of course, their signature curry, which contains blue ginger, chili, curry leaves and freshly-ground pepper. Indulge in the Mama Wee’s Hainanese Curry Chicken Drumstick Set ($7.80) or the Mama Wee’s Hainanese ‘Kou Rou’ Set ($8.80)!

Location: Hillion Mall (#01-15/16)

6. The Hainan Story

Looking for some Hainanese Delicacies? Look no further! The Hainan Story has the following up for grabs: Hainanese Claypot Chicken ‘Char Siew’ Rice consisting of Chicken ‘ char siew’, chinese sausage, mushroom, scallion ($8.50), the Chinese Claypot Ee-fu Noodle Soup with Minced pork, sliced pork, mushroom, prawn, lala clam, vegetable, egg ($8.50) and the Laksa with Hainanese Steamed Chicken ($8.50).

Location: Hillion Mall (#01-15/16)

7. Monga Fried Chicken

Calling all fried chicken lovers! Pair your favourites with rice in the Monga Crispy Chicken Rice Box consisting of fragrant chicken rice, 2pcs crispy fried chicken and achar ($6.90). Prefer nuggets instead? Opt for the Monga Nuggets Chicken Rice Box with fragrant chicken rice, 6pcs monga nuggets and achar. Don’t miss out on the 2pcs Combo too, which comes with Sweet Potato Fries, and a Soda ($8.90)!

8. Tim Ho Wan

Supplement your dim sum meal with Noodles and Congee at Tim Ho Wan! Opt for the Pork Congee with Century and Salted Eggs ($6.00), Hong Kong Style Wanton Noodle (Soup/Dry) ($7.80), or the Hong Kong Braised Beef Noodle (Soup/Dry) ($9.80).

Locations: Aperia Mall (#0101/02/03), Citylink Mall (#B1-63/63A), Great World City (#01-139), Jewel Changi Airport (#02-223), Marina Bay Sands (#B2-02/03/04), Plaza Singapura (#01-29A/52), Suntec City (#02-389/390), Waterway Point (#01-62), Westgate (#01-13/14), 18 Tai Seng (#01-36)

9. LeNu

Affordable yet remarkable, LeNu is a casual Chinese noodle bar that strives to achieve perfection in every bowl to delight all diners at an affordable price. Opt for their selection of dry noodles: Pork Wanton in Chili Vinaigrette Dry Noodle ($9.80), Dried Shrimp and Scallion Dry Noodle ($6.50) or the Braised Pork Rib with Scallion Dry Noodle ($9.90)!

Locations: Bedok Mall #B2-10 Bugis Junction #B1-22Compass One #03-05, Funan #B1-22, Jurong East Mall (JEM) #B1-11, Jewel Changi Airport #04-244, Northpoint City South Wing #B1-101, Resorts World Sentosa #B1-201, VivoCity #02-91

10. Ya Lor

Have you tried Ya Lor’s Signature Braised Duck Rice ($7.10)? Featuring the Original Sean Kee boneless braised duck rice with succulent duck meat, bean sprouts, braised peanuts, braised egg(half) and beancurd! Also try Ya Lor’s Braised Duck with Noodle or kway teow ($6.10), we’re sure you won’t regret this. For the health conscious, the Braised Duck Porridge ($6.10) is a healthy meal choice of porridge topped with braised duck meat and peanuts. Opt to top up $2.50 for drinks with every main ordered!

11. Streats

Serving up popular Hong Kong, Macau, Indonesian and asian street food, give Streats’ HK Shrimp & Chicken Dumpling Noodle (Dry/Soup, $9.80), Bak Mee Ayam Pangsit ($8.80) and Spicy Dry Nissin Korean Noodle with Fried Chicken ($8.80) a try!

Locations: Bukit Panjang Plaza (#02-17), City Square Mall (#01-01), IMM Building (#02-17/17A), Resorts World (Asian Café) (#01-205), West Mall (#01-28/29/30), Tampines 1 (#B1-05)

12. Hongguo

The Star of Hongguo, the Xiu Cai Mi Xian ($9.20) is double boiled for hours with selected duck, chicken, pork parts, making it extremely flavourful and tasty. Served with vegetables, egg, meat and vermicelli, this is an excellent choice for anyone looking for comfort food. Also try the Pork Ribs Yunnan Noodle Soup ($9.50) and Black Pepper Beef Fried Rice ($9.80)!

Locations: Bugis Junction #B1-06, NEX #B1-75

13. Penang Culture

Get transported to Penang immediately with the Penang Sambal Fried Rice ($9.90)! A well-known Penang dish not to be missed, the Penang Assam Laksa ($7.90) broth consists of sardine, ginger flower, laksa leaves, assam (tamarind), fermented shrimp paste, garlic, galangal, turmeric and lemongrass – all boiled together to form the tasty gravy. The secret of the robustness of the Fried Hokkien Mee ($8.90) lies in the home-brewed flavourful prawn stock used during frying – add a good dose of wok-hei and there you have shiok Fried Hokkien Mee!

Locations: NEX Shopping Mall (#B1-76), Compass One (#03-13), White Sands Shopping Mall (#03-21), JEM (#04-27), Vivocity (#B2-23E)

14. Sushi Tei

Illustrating the emerging influence Asia has on modern Japanese cuisine, Sushi Tei’s menu features a fusion of traditional Japanese dishes with modern innovative trends. Opt for the Oyako Don ($9.80), Tonkotsu Udon/Soba/Ramen ($8.80) or the Yakitori Don ($9.80)!

Locations: China Square (#01-28/30), Sushi Tei (#03-04), JEM (#03-18), NEX (#03-15/16), Northpoint (#02-15), Paragon (#05-04/05), Raffles City (#03-13/14), Serangoon Gardens, Tampines 1 (#04-13), Thomson Plaza (#03-46), Tiong Bahru Plaza (#03-110), Vivocity (#02-152), West Coast Plaza (#01-87), Jewel Changi Airport (#03-209)

15. Ichiban Bento

Hearty meals for everyday! Pick your favourite from the Black Pepper Yakiniku Bento ($9.80), the Double Katsu Bento consisting of Chicken cutlet with spicy cod roe mayo and miso sauce ($8.80), or the Chicken Nanban Don, a Chicken cutlet with sweet & sour nanban sauce and tartar sauce rice bowl ($8.80).

16. Idaten Udon

At Idaten Udon, you can be your own head chef! Match your favourite tempuras with the Niku Udon, a Sliced beef with udon and soup ($8.90), or the Beef Sukiyaki Don ($9.00) and Niku Curry Don, a sliced beef curry rice ($9.00).

Locations: Nex (B1-02), Tampines 1 (B1-07), Changi City Point (B1-12), IMM (02-52), Causeway Point (B1-17)

17. Crave

Enjoy some award-winning Adam Road Nasi Lemak by Selera Rasa, topped off with crunchy flavourful ikan bilis, nuts and the tantalising iconic sambal! Choose your favourite Nasi Lemak: woud it be the Nasi Lemak Royale ($8.70) with fragrant Basmati Rice, Crispy Chicken Wing, Fish Fillet, Bergedil, Fried Egg, Ikan Bilis and Peanuts, Sambal Chili and Cucumber, the Nasi Lemak With Curry Chicken ($8.70) or the Nasi Lemak with Chicken Wing ($6.50)? Opt to top up $1.30 for drinks with every main ordered.

Locations: Ang Mo Kio Hub #B2-54, Asia Square #02-13, Bedok Mall #B2-22, Bugis Junction #B1-K05, Bukit Panjang Plaza #01-18, Causeway Point #B1-K12, Changi City Point #B1-06/07, City Square Mall #B2-K2/K3/K4 & K11, Clementi Mall #B1-K4/K5, Compass One #B1-02/03, E! Hub #01-K105, Fairprice Hub #02-24, Funan Mall #B2-K07, Grab Kitchen #06-00, Guoco Tower #B2-26/27, HarbourFront Centre #01-K8, Hong Leong #B1-12, Hougang Mall #B1-11, Jem #B1-K3, Junction 8 #B1-K8, Jurong Point #B1-03, Lot One #B1-K17, Marina Bay Link Mall #B2-63, North Point #B1-45, One Kent Ridge #01-09/19/20, Our Tampines Hub #01-106, Parkway Parade #01-K09, Paya Lebar Square #B1-45, Sun Plaza #01-26, Toa Payoh #01-524, The Commerze@Iring #01-30, The Star Vista #B1-42, Changi Airport T1A #02-K18, Changi Airport T3L #B2-34, Waterway Point #B1-K7

18. So Pho

Experience authentic and traditional Vietnamese food in Singapore with So Pho’s fresh, healthy and mouth watering Vietnamese dishes. Warm up with Pho Noodle Soup with sliced beef ($9.80), or opt for the Baguette with Beef/ Chicken ($7.50)!

Locations: Jem (#03-22), Tampines Mall (#04-30), Paragon (#B1-20), Novena Square (#02-43/45), VivoCity (#01-171), Causeway Point (#B1-16), Northpoint City (#B1-182/183), Marina One The Heart (#B2-50), The Star Vista (#B1-11), White Sands (#02-04), ION (#B3-19), Changi T3 (#03-30/31), IMM (#02-53), Jewel Changi Airport (#B1-248), Great World City (#B1-112), Suntec City (#B1-126)

12 personal money management life lessons to live by

While we were searching for good reads, we came across Cary Siegel’s “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By”. We’re not even halfway done with the book but already learning so much from the retired business executive.

Here are 12 personal money management life lessons adapted from the book.

#1: Marry someone who has good financial habits

a couple wearing masks for a wedding photo

Image Credits: The Straits Times

If you’re already married, you might agree that money is the top reason why couples fight. It could be very much due to a non-full disclosure during the dating process. Singles planning to tie the knot should learn how to facilitate money conversations to identify each other’s financial habits.

Here are some crucial questions you can ask:

How much debt do you have?
At what age do you want to retire?
Do you want to have kids? If so, how many and how soon?
What is an ideal amount for an emergency fund?
Are we ready to leave the workforce to be a full-time parent? If yes, which one of us and for how long?

#2: Stay married to the same person

Image Credits: Pinterest

According to Singapore Legal Advice, divorce fees may cost up to S$3,500 for simplified uncontested divorces and S$10,000 to S$35,000 for contested divorces. Let’s not forget about pre-divorce payments, alimony, and child support charges. Need we say more?

#3: Know the cost of raising kids

Image Credits: MindChamps

The obvious expenditures include education, healthcare, clothing, and food. Other costs include moving to a larger HDB flat and getting a new car to shuttle them to school and enrichment classes.

Prudential Singapore has examined various costs involved in the parenting journey. From pregnancy to childbirth and education to recreation, you must plan your finances for the long road ahead.

#4: Buy only when you can afford it

Image Credits: Carsome

When you don’t heed this principle, you will find yourself on a downward spiral to possible bankruptcy. Live below your means, and you will find extra cash to save and invest at the end of the month.

#5: Take care of your stuff

Image Credits: atulhost.com

By stuff, we mean the things you own. It could be your white shirt, your latest mobile device, or even your car. When you learn how to take care of your stuff, you will find them lasting longer over time and requiring fewer repairs or replacements. This equates to more savings!

We wrote an article several months ago with tips to help you apply basic maintenance to your electronic gadgets to help them last longer. Click through the link if you’re keen to find out more details on battery inspection, data clearance, and more.

#6: Build lasting friendships

Image Credits: Visit Singapore

One of the greatest gifts on earth is connecting and learning from people from all walks of life. Whether your secondary school classmates or polytechnic school friends are working within the financial sector or not, there are still personal money management experiences you can tap on from them.

#7: Take away more by giving more

Image Credits: HealthHub

This applies to your career in the early stages. Do you believe that you take away more from your company by giving more? The extra time and effort you’re donating to a work project can return tenfold because you gain valuable skills, knowledge, and experience by doing. Think of it as getting paid to learn!

With that said, those who are forced to work extra hours, make sure your employer is compliant with the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) practices. Click here for some FAQs relating to overtime work and rest days.

#8: Spend an hour per week learning about personal finance

Image Credits: ConversionLab

There are tons of free resources online, and a quick Google search can reveal the top-ranking ones. The Straits Times also has an “invest” section you can take advantage of if you’re a subscriber. Don’t underestimate the little hour you spend a week because it’s significant when it adds up over the years.

#9: Enjoy the slow journey to wealth

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Not all millionaires are made overnight. Do a quick search, and you will probably come across several rags-to-riches stories that will inspire you.

Please note that you don’t have to be exactly like any of the high profiles out there because everyone has their set of money management principles. Find your own and be comfortable in your unique journey to wealth.

#10: Pen down attainable short-term financial goals

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Short-term financial goals refer to your quarterly plans or annual ones. This could include the exact amounts for savings and investments. You can also note down personal reward amounts if you’re expecting big purchases. Remember to review your goals frequently and spot the hits and misses.

#11: Set realistic long-term financial goals

Image Credits: unsplash.com

When you have your short-term plans ready, it’s good to spend some time setting realistic long-term financial goals. If you like it, you may call it “the big picture” or “a bird’s eye view”. Long-term goals could mean you look far ahead in 5 years, 15 years, or even more.

Here’s a look at the author’s long-term financial goals when he was 25:

Buy my next car with cash (within 5 years).
Pay off all college loans by the age of 30.
Own a home by 35.
Attain a net worth of $1 million by the age of 40.
Own a beach property by age 45.
Retire by the age of 50.

#12: Develop a simple net worth statement

Image Credits: MoneySense

There are online resources available to help you find out your net worth. It’s nothing too difficult to understand. For example, MoneySense has a net worth calculator you can use. All you have to do is input your total assets and total liabilities and let the webpage work its magic.

So what are your thoughts on a peek at Siegel’s “Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By”?

Let us know if you want more insights from his book, and we will prepare them in the coming weeks. If not, you can also grab a copy yourself and be enriched with more personal money management principles to live by. Happy reading!

Stuck At Home Valentine’s Day Ideas

Romance does not have to fade just because you are at home. Considering the impact of the pandemic and the need to practice social distancing, you have probably struggled to keep your indoor dates exciting. Fret not! There are a myriad of creative date activities that you can enjoy right in the comfort of your own home.

Spend Valentine’s Day with your special someone with these fun ideas.

#1: DO YOGA TOGETHER

Stretch the night away by practicing couples yoga with your partner. Now is the time find your inner Zen. Poses suitable for couples are more intimate and challenging. It is a shared experience focused more on the connection with one another, rather than just yourself.

#2: MAKE DELICIOUS PIZZA

Add spice to your Netflix and chill by making your own pizza. Try different recipes such as baguette pizza and Marinara pizza.

#3: TEST YOUR SINGING ABILITIES

Do you have a favorite love song? Challenge your partner to a melodious night of karaoke. Sing your hearts out by searching karaoke videos on YouTube. Singing some of your favorite tunes is guaranteed to boost your spirit.

#4: TRY A VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOUR

Whether you are a fan of Vincent van Gogh or cultural art, you can find a virtual museum tour for both of your interests. I recommend watching the National Museum of Singapore’s Zoom Into History Video series. It is an insightful look at the artifacts and everyday objects that have defined our nation’s past. You can also watch the virtual tours streamed on the National Gallery of Singapore’s Facebook Live.

#5: CREATE FUN COCKTAILS

Show off your bartending skills in the comfort of your own space by making a cocktail together with your loved one. Make the Love Potion #9. It is made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and pomegranate juice. Enjoy!

#6: START A BOOK CLUB

Encourage your friends to join your book club. Bring your partner along too. Choose a book to read together with the group and then pick an evening to discuss it over wine and cheese on Zoom or Skype.

#7: HAVE A PHOTOSHOOT

Spare a few hours for an at-home photoshoot. Ensure that your pictures have backdrops and decorations that fit your theme. You can have these photos printed and gathered into an album.

#8: SET THEMATIC NIGHTS

Whether you want to indulge on a game or movie night, you can set February 14 as your “best day ever”. You can forgo dinner by turning the lights out and preparing snacks that can boost your movie night experience. If you cannot agree on a movie you both want to watch, consider the first movie you ever watched together. Alternatively, you can play video games. Your partner can either be impressed by your mad skills on screen or will think it is adorable to see you consistently losing.

#9: INDULGE IN A SPA DATE

Drop in your nearest Lush outlet or create your own DIY bath bombs to enjoy a spa date. Have a bath together with bath salts and bath bombs. Afterwards, you can give each other massages with aromatherapy oils. Lastly, you can give your partner a manicure or a pedicure. Complete the experience with matching robes!

Image credits: pixabay.com

Sources: 1 & 2

Useful Employment Support Guides (that you probably didn’t know) on LifeSG App

The coronavirus pandemic has upended the lives of many families and caused a loss of jobs. To help retrenched workers and jobseekers, GovTech collaborated with Workforce Singapore (‘WSG’), e2i, TADM, TAFEP and SkillsFuture Singapore (‘SSG’) to develop new modules on the LifeSG App (rebranded from Moments of Life). These employment support modules take a user-centric approach to show relevant information in a bite-sized manner that is easy to understand for the everyday man on the street. It informs target audience on the assistance and job opportunities available to them. Simply look for these modules under “Discover your next career steps and find support” section under the home page of your LifeSG App.

Here’s a summary of each employment support module that you will find on LifeSG App and how they can be of help.

1. Know Your Retrenchment Benefits and Measures

Workers who have been retrenched or are at-risk of retrenchment may not be aware of the resources available to help them during this difficult period. They may also be unaware of the benefits due to them when faced with an impending retrenchment. Some of the benefits that retrenched workers may be eligible are the following:

a notice period,
retrenchment benefits,
alternatives to retrenchment, and
help in finding a new job

As employees, it is critical for us to understand our rights so that we know what precautions to take and what to do if there is a dispute.

2. Support for Your Job Search

The “Support for your job search” module helps retrenched individuals and job seekers to:

Find opportunities for new jobs via career fairs, access government support schemes and convert existing skills to make a mid-career switch. These enable the job search process to be more efficient, as well as increase the number of job opportunities that they can access.
Access customised advice and forge career plans from career coaches at WSG, e2i etc. These professionals will help you to understand your personality, area of interests as well as strengths and weaknesses. All these are useful to guide you to better understand your career objective in life
Explore courses to upskill/reskill to ensure that you are always ready for your next role in this fast-changing world. Armed with the relevant professional certifications, you will be one step closer to landing the job that helps you achieve your career goal.

Do not underestimate the toll that every unsuccessful job application takes on a job seeker’s morale. Therefore, having a well-thought-out strategy advised by the professionals and executing it is half the battle won in your job search.

3. Financial Support for Workers and the Self-Employed

Ever since COVID-19 struck, the Singapore government has been quick to dole out relief measures to provide financial support in an unprecedented manner to ensure that no one is left behind. This specific module is handy in allowing individuals across the different employment categories to browse the various listings of government agency schemes and COVID-19 relief measures:

Unemployed (including retrenched) individuals
Lower-income individuals
Individuals with reduced income
Self-employed persons

Here is a case study of how an unemployed individual can tap on the various government agency schemes and COVID-19 relief measures to tide him through this difficult period. Mr Tan is a 40-year-old Singaporean who works in the travel industry. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, he has been placed on involuntary No-Pay leave by his company. He can apply for the COVID-19 Support Grant and receive up to $800 per month for 3 months which would be credited directly into his bank account. In addition, he can receive Job and Training Support by Workforce Singapore (WSG) or The Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) to help him upskill and reskill. This allows him the option of convert existing skills to make a mid-career switch should he decide to. Understanding the various schemes and grants available to him, he can conveniently apply for them online via the mobile app.

With information organised in a succinct manner, it is easier for them to know what financial schemes they are eligible for, as well as information on the application process. This ensures that those who need financial aid gets them in the shortest possible time so that the disruption to their daily lives is mitigated.

https://articles.life.gov.sg/financial-support-workers-self-employed/

Scan the QR code for more articles on the type of support available for Singaporeans affected by COVID-19.

Download the LifeSG App Today

Government has set aside plenty of help so that Singaporeans can tide through this pandemic and emerge stronger. Download the LifeSG App today to get a firm grasp of this helpful information. Also keep a look out for more features related to providing employment support that will be rolled out in subsequent phases.

https://go.life.gov.sg/XwD9

Discover your next career steps and find support with the Employment Support modules on LifeSG App!

How to deal with a micromanager professionally

Micromanagement is such a pain in the arse. At a point in our careers, we might have been faced with a micromanager some time, somewhere. But many out there may not even know that they are being micromanaged.

So what are the common signs of micromanagement? Here are eight common ones from such bosses:

Little or no work delegation
Always asking you for updates
Show a reluctance in mentoring
Finding fault in everything you do
Famous for one-way conversations
Sole decision-maker even for the littlest of tasks
Like to focus on the small details but miss out on the big picture
Delay project deadlines because everything requires their “yes”

If you suspect that you’re whirled up in such a situation and it’s taking a toll on you, act on it before you explode.

Here are some ways to deal with a micromanager (or colleague) tactfully. Fictitious names included!

#1: Have an honest heart-to-heart talk

Image Credits: unsplash.com

As a micromanaging superior, Peter might not be very welcoming of criticisms. Be sensitive when dealing with this. When we say to have an honest heart-to-heart talk, we mean a candid but specific conversation.

Bill Gardner, founder and managing partner of Noetic Outcomes Consulting, suggests this with over 40 years of experience coaching executives. You want to describe your feelings when Peter’s behaviours directed at you make you feel X, Y, and Z. Then, go ahead and list some specific actions you hope to see going forward.

Now, some of you must be thinking this is impossible. As Asians, we may not like to confront head-on. But grow some guts, and you never know positive outcomes could snowball out of your truthfulness.

#2: Be direct with your requests

young-businessman-and-businesswoman-sitting-outdoors

Image Credits: Freepik

During your conversation with a micromanaging boss, you want to be direct with your requests. Ask Sally what you can do better to address her needs. Even if she responds with a “but you’re already doing well”, don’t stop there.

Share with Sally your intention of improving collaboration with her. If you’re the sort that requires time and space to prove your work capabilities, let Sally know.

Instead of her chasing you for updates as and when she pleases, take the initiative by scheduling weekly check-ins. This can become your silent way of saying, “Please stop checking in for information outside of our scheduled meetings.”

#3: Ask questions to understand their point of view

an asian woman asking questions at a business meeting

Image Credits: londonimageinstitute.files.wordpress.com

When you’re pulled into a project meeting, don’t just let John do the talking and then complain about him during lunch hours. To attempt to make your life a little better, you want to understand your manager’s perspective.

To do so, ask questions.

Katharina Schmidt from the Forbes Coaches Council shares that these questions might guide you towards a better working relationship:

What are your deal breakers?
What are your success hypotheses?
What are your key objectives for this initiative?
How, and how often, do you want to be informed?

#4: Focus on behaviour and impact

two-business-people-wearing-face-masks-while-discussing

Image Credits: Freepik

When having any conversations with Zelia, you want to avoid the “m” word – that is, “micromanaging”. What you can do is to focus on the behaviour and impact it has on you.

For example, Zelia’s need for constant updates on your progress is one such behaviour that has impacted you. Let her know that these updates are taking extra time off your productivity and attention on your urgent projects at hand.

See if both of you can negotiate an alternative solution to that. Maybe setting a fixed time for updates can help you better manage your working hours?

Don’t be afraid to offer new ideas.

#5: Identify your superior’s end goal

Two young businessmen discussing new project

Image Credits: Freepik

Conflicts often arise when two people are not on the same page. To stand on the same ground as Raju, you want to align with his end goal. April Armstrong, CEO of AHA Insight, notes the power of the “then what” question.

Ponder over these:

After I complete this assignment, what happens next?
If this were to be a big success, what would the ideal outcome be?

When your destinations are in line, Raju may see you in a different light. It can also prompt him to release his grip on his control over you and your teammates.

#6: Keep your eye on the curveballs and overdeliver

asian woman drinking coffee while working in a cafe

Image Credits: Freepik

For folks currently facing your first micromanager in your job, the whole experience can be daunting. But don’t waddle in the toxicity and put yourself at risk of being sour over it.

Understand that micromanagement is often a result of these two reasons:

The fear of being disconnected leads Carrie to find out as much as she can through countless updates like reports, meetings, and one-on-one conversations.
Carrie finds it difficult to transit from a position of doing to a trusting and coaching managerial position.

Jill Hauwiller, the founder, principal consultant, and lead executive coach at Leadership Refinery urges us to find out what our manager values and wants. Anticipate the unexpected and overdeliver on your promises.

This is because even if you can’t change their micromanaging behaviour at the end of the day, you have your great results to back you up. Your successful work output is something no one can take away from you.

Put on a little smile

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember our recent article on “Strategies on how to cope with someone you dislike at work”? When working with people you find difficult working with, communicating your points across calmy without being defensive is essential.

Jeff Altman, a career coach from The Big Game Hunter, said that smiles and laughter often go a long way toward making a point with people. So put on that big, friendly smile before you enter into any discussion with a micromanager.

Career and people skills take time and deliberate effort to develop. Don’t quit your job on impulse.