"Closely involved," "very hands-on," "likes a lot of visibility," or "prefers to stay close to the detail." All of them describe the behavior without the sting. Better than any label is to skip the word and name what you want instead: "I'd like to own the decisions on this one and keep you updated." That sentence does the work the label never will.
Phrases by situation
In a performance review of a manager: "Tends to stay closely involved in execution. The team would benefit from more room to decide."
Giving upward feedback: "I notice you like a lot of visibility on my work. Could we agree what you need to see, so I can send it before you have to ask?"
Describing a former boss in an interview: "Very hands-on. I learned to send updates before they were requested." It says the thing and shows you handled it.
Talking about yourself: "I know I stay close to the detail. I'm working on agreeing the result up front and stepping back."
Why the gentler word is not just politeness
"Micromanager" describes a person and ends the conversation. "Likes a lot of visibility" describes a need and opens one. Needs can be met. Once the manager has the visibility, the behavior usually fades on its own.
The best replacement is a request
Instead of any adjective, ask for the level you want: "Can I decide this and tell you?" or "Can we agree the three checks it has to pass, and I'll bring it back when it does?" The manager hears a plan, not a diagnosis.
Where M-Tracker fits
The visibility a hands-on manager wants is what M-Tracker provides without the hovering. Each task has a brief both people can see. When the work is sent, M-Tracker checks it against the brief and writes a plain review the person sees first. The manager gets finished work that has already been checked. Nobody has to find a word for the behavior, because the behavior is no longer needed.
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Questions people ask
Is "hands-on" a compliment?
Often. That is what makes it safe to use. Context tells the listener which meaning you intend.
What if I need to be direct?
Then be direct about the behavior, not the person: "I'm getting three check-ins a day and it is slowing the work."
What do you call the opposite?
"Hands-off" or "gives a lot of room." Neither is automatically good either.
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