From a reader who wants to remain anonymous:
“I need some advice regarding a situation that has been developing for a while now. I have a new and inexperienced manager. This person constantly takes me off track by micromanaging me and creating distractions. For example, they accuse me of making statements and/or promises that I never made. I have learned that aggressively defending myself only intensifies the situation and the distraction. However, posing questions as to how these conclusions were reached seems to alleviate the situation. I am beginning to suspect that these distractions might be on purpose because of their increasing frequency. Any advice?”
Email answers to charles@startupstudygroup.com or post replies here.
When the environment becomes too hostile (counter productive) you must recognize it and take the only action that makes sense: exit it.
The short reply is that you will have better opportunities elsewhere, either by yourself if you create a startup or by joining another team better matching your personal goals (depending on the size of your organization, it may be in the same firm but in a different department, town, or country or in a different company).
Figthing management is a lost battle because other managers and directors will side with their peers: they never deal with you so they have little incentive (and much to lose) at digging any further if you ask their help.
Lost battles are not only a waste of time and resources: they also are toxic.
Identify and avoid them.