In many workplaces, you’ll encounter a manager who seeks dramatic, over-the-top solutions to problems that could easily be solved with a simple, straightforward approach. It’s like being asked to use a cruise missile to kill a mosquito. It’s not only inefficient but also wildly out of proportion to the task at hand. This phenomenon often involves hefty budgets, unnecessary complexity, and a skewed sense of leadership, where the manager is more focused on building their “empire” than actually solving the issue.

Here’s how to cope with such situations and navigate through this perplexing yet common workplace challenge.

1. Recognize the Need for Balance

The first step is recognizing that overcomplicating a simple problem is a management issue, not necessarily a problem with the task itself. It’s crucial to understand that most simple issues don’t require massive, expensive solutions. You can still respect the fact that your boss is trying to solve the problem while acknowledging that they might not be approaching it in the most efficient way.

In situations like these, balance is key. You need to find ways to meet your boss’s expectations while steering the solution back toward something practical. For instance, instead of suggesting a wildly expensive solution, point out how a more cost-effective approach could still deliver satisfactory results.

2. Present Data-Driven Alternatives

When the proposal to over-engineer a solution comes up, use data and logical reasoning to present more efficient alternatives. If the task at hand is something simple—like getting rid of a mosquito—there’s no need for a missile strike. You could bring up examples of similar companies or case studies where smaller-scale solutions had more significant impacts. Present a cost-benefit analysis to showcase how a more modest approach could save resources while achieving the same, or even better, results.

Using real numbers and clear facts can be an excellent way to show that a more basic solution will accomplish the goal without squandering company resources. A detailed comparison of the cost, timeline, and manpower involved in both the extravagant and practical options will allow your boss to see the discrepancy and, hopefully, course-correct.

3. Stay Solution-Oriented

No one likes to be the person who constantly says, “This is wrong!” or “That won’t work!” In situations like this, it’s essential to approach your boss’s idea with respect, even if it seems utterly ridiculous. Frame your response in a way that focuses on improving the situation instead of criticizing the original idea. Acknowledge their ambition to solve the problem, and then gently guide them to an alternative solution.

For example, you might say, “I understand the desire for a bold solution, but what if we could achieve the same goal by taking a less costly approach? Here’s an idea that would give us more flexibility down the road, and at a fraction of the cost.” By positioning yourself as a collaborative partner, you can help shift the perspective without stepping on toes.

4. Manage the Empire-Building Mindset

When managers go into “empire-building” mode, they tend to think that bigger and more expensive means better. This can lead to wasted time, money, and resources that could have been allocated elsewhere. The challenge here is to understand the underlying motivation for their approach. Are they trying to impress upper management? Are they seeking recognition for solving a big problem? Identifying these motivations allows you to find ways to meet your boss’s desire for prestige without going overboard with the solution.

Instead of just asking for a huge budget or unnecessary resources, steer the conversation toward how a modest solution can still be impressive and yield positive results. Emphasize that making a smart decision is just as noteworthy as making a bold one, and the former could earn them more respect from both their team and the higher-ups.

5. Set Boundaries and Communicate Efficiently

Finally, it’s essential to communicate openly with your boss about expectations, timelines, and resources. When it becomes clear that a project is being blown out of proportion, gently set boundaries by asking questions that make them re-evaluate their decision. This could look like, “What’s the end goal we’re aiming for here?” or “What’s the timeline, and how can we meet it while being mindful of costs?”

By asking such questions, you help steer the project in a more reasonable direction without directly challenging their authority. Setting these boundaries early on will also make it easier to push back against unnecessarily extravagant solutions later on.

While it can be frustrating to watch your boss pursue large, expensive solutions for relatively small problems, remember that the goal is to maintain a balance between ambition and practicality. By understanding the motivations behind these decisions, presenting data-driven alternatives, staying solution-oriented, managing the empire-building mindset, and communicating effectively, you can guide your boss toward smarter, more cost-efficient choices.

In the end, your role isn’t just about executing their plan—it’s about contributing to a company culture that values thoughtful decision-making over showy, wasteful displays of power. So, the next time your boss asks for a cruise missile to kill a mosquito, step up, offer your expertise, and help everyone come back down to earth with a plan that gets the job done at a fraction of the cost.