Government work isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. The rigid hierarchies and downward pressure that exist in most government organizations can be warming conditions for detracting behavior. The bottom line is that detractors drain an organization of engagement, morale, and critical intelligence and capabilities. When conducting leadership workshops and sharing multiplier practices, the question I’m most often asked is, “How do I deal with a boss who detracts from me?
As part of our ongoing multiplier research,
We’ve identified several strategies for dealing with detractors. The most important and central conclusion is, “You can be a multiplier while working for a detractor.” Here are some strategies that can help you deal with detractors. If you find yourself in a detractor situation, hopefully one of these strategies will help.
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Continue to draw on their best intelligence despite being surrounded by detractors: Assume positive intent. You may be one of those lucky overseas chinese in usa data ones whose detractors have positive intent – we often refer to this type of leader as an accidental detractor. In this case, interpret their behavior in a positive light to understand what is important to them that drives their behavior.
For example, if your boss exhibits Rescuer tendencies,
they may be concerned about not meeting a thank you emails: you don’t have to be an email ninja to tap deadline or goal. Help lighten her mood by showcasing your strengths or talents. This will help her identify areas where “you are capable” and don’t need her kindly rescue. Invite them to the party. Try to avoid the detractor and instead invite him to join you. Multipliers assume that everyone has a genius, including their boss! Maybe his genius is hidden.
Once you discover his genius
Invite him to join and focus his contributions in a way that brings out his talents. For example, give him a piece of your work and ask him how he can do rich data better. You may find that inviting your Diminisher in and allowing him to see the great work you are doing may lead to his assumptions being altered and more room for you to strengthen other connections.