Help with micromanaging boss!!

[PooleySpooley]

This is my manager.

We are supposed to be able to work from home within reason. My manager has been in post since March and I have asked to work from home next week one day for the first time. I have assessments to write and am going on leave on Friday and need to get these done.

I can’t concentrate in the office as I line manage and it’s an open plan hot dealing area and I am openly accessible to all staff eso when my line manager isn’t there as people are unhappy/looking for work elsewhere.

My line manager has agreed for me to work at home. But now sent an email about a meeting that day which I replied to saying I won’t be there I am working at home.

She has sent an email, ccing other colleagues in berating me for not being at this meeting and impressing how important it is that I am there as a manager to build relationships (with NHS) these are relationships I have already built and she is just being controlling.

I am at all meetings and cover a lot for managers off sick and this is the reason for me being behind. I don’t feel like a manager anyway as she overrules everything I do and undermined me in front of everyone.

What do I do? Stick to my guns?

I'd stick to your guns. She won't stop if you let her micro manage you plus as a manager yourself, it's important that you lead by example in terms of the flexible working option of being at home.

I'd also request a one to one with her and explain why her email was inappropriate and unfair. Make sure the details of this conversation are recorded.

From my experience a micro managing boss will hate WFH as it prevents them for watching / inputting as much as they want to as you are at a distance.
I would guess the meeting / email is to try and rail road you into cancelling WFH and therefore maintaining their ability to micro manage you.

Sorry - if you are comfortable in doing so, I would stick to your guns. 1 day WFH in 9 months is hardly excessive is it?

That was unprofessional of her to copy other colleagues.

Is there any chance that you can go into work on the day of the meeting and work the other days from home? I know it's "giving in" to your manager but sometimes the best way to get micro-managers to leave you in peace is to go along with what they want and be all sweetness and light until they realise they can actually trust you. Short term pain for long term gain.

I'd reply pointing out that as she was fully aware you had that day wfh as she had agreed, if your attendance is that vital you would be happy to attend on x date if she feels the need to reschedule. Hold your ground, she sounds like an insecure dick

My other days are full of other meetings

My advice is just to ignore it. Don't reply, don't cc all, just pretend it didn't happen. Other people will see through it, they will also have met this person and probably have some problems with them too. No need to defend yourself, you're doing your job as agreed per company policy. You're not the one that will come out of this looking bad.

Can you not dial in? I am happy for my team to wfh but they absolutely have to dial into meetings if they do - it’s business as usual regardless of where you are working.

Dial in if needed but would be inclined to respond
I have known these partners since (date) and have already established a fulfiling, proactive relationship with them. Is there something that I should know about that may affect the outcome of the meeting? Some issue that needs addressing in a face to face?
As you are aware, I requested, and you approved, a wfh day in order to complete x assessment. I am happy to dial in if needed but am certain that my apologies will be accepted by (name) without issue and will book a follow up meeting for early in the new year..