Reporting to an Adversarial Manager

Abstract

In this chapter we will examine the dynamics of reporting to and working for an adversarial manager. The chapter will explore how to handle the issues you are likely to encounter as an employee reporting to an adversarial boss. It will highlight the pitfalls, mistakes, and misjudgments that you could make as you tackle the dual challenges of your manager’s adversarial intent and their significant organizational authority. The chapter will examine the ins and outs of a situation in which your boss may try to use the power available to them in their role to intimidate or undermine you rather than support you, may be unusually confrontational and antagonistic towards you even when you are performing effectively and may deliberately play you off against members of your peer group or vice versa. It will explore the unique situation of finding that your manager chooses to behave in these ways on a repeat basis, regardless of how effectively you are performing, have performed or are likely to perform in the future.