In today’s Q&A we share some ideas that can help you work with a boss who seems intent on undermining your efforts.
You’ll also find tips on how to listen to someone with whom you disagree.
CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS FOR MASTERING DIALOGUE
HOW TO WORK WITH A DOMINEERING BOSS
by Joseph Grenny
I have a domineering boss who micromanages everything I do. He has no filter when speaking to me and often is just outright rude. Whenever I send out a piece of work, he finds fault with it and tries to undermine my confidence. Having read online about his characteristics, I truly believe he suffers from narcissism. The sad fact is that he gets results and senior management love him, so he is untouchable. How can I deal with this aside from leaving the company?
Signed Diagnosable
I’ve learned two things about myself that I want to offer to you. They may or may not apply. But try them on for size. If they fit, they’re the fastest path to peace and resolution of your complaints.
First, I’ve learned that any time I don’t feel compassion for another human being, the problem is in me. The problem always begins with me carrying a story about them that turns a human into a villain. The way I do that is by equating their weaknesses with permanent labels and by assiduously avoiding any virtues they might have in my characterization of them.
Most of us can listen to others up to the point at which we disagree with them, which is when we interject, interrupt, argue, or otherwise voice our disagreement. See what happens if you resist that urge. Here’s how.
CRUCIAL LEARNING NAMED A TOP LEADERSHIP TRAINING COMPANY BY TRAINING INDUSTRY
For the eighth consecutive year, Crucial Learning has been named to the list of top 20 leadership development companies. Learn more about the criteria for making the list and the companies that did.
Knowledge is no guarantee of good behavior, but ignorance is a virtual guarantee of bad behavior.
—Martha Nussbaum
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