Dear Doug: Power-seeking behaviors in the workplace
Dear Doug: Backstabbing Employee
Dear Doug:
One of my subordinates invariably puts himself in a positive light at my expense in front of my manager. He’s either not truthful or fails to give the whole story. Should I say something or let it go?
Signed,
Slighted
. . . .
Dear Slighted,
Other columnists might suggest that you carefully, professionally and in a mature way correct his comments, so that your manager doesn’t buy into the misinformation. Such columnists might also suggest a private encounter with the employee, letting him know you expect the cheap shots to stop. There might even be an allusion to the behavior as a “power game.”Indeed.
Left unsaid is that power-seeking behaviors, especially those coming at the expense of others, are frequently connected to alcoholism. You should look for supporting behavioral indications of addiction such as trouble at home, belittling and disparaging remarks about others and regular visits to bars after work. If such clues exist, assume that his lies and insinuations will worsen. Then, you must do everything you can to protect yourself. This would include having incontrovertible proof that any allegations he makes are false, as well as planning for the likelihood that his lies will be more believable than your truths. And whatever you do, don’t confront him one-on-one. Such confrontations are breeding grounds for false accusations by alcoholics.
(Source for story idea: Ken Lloyd, Ph.D., Management Consultant, The Daily News, May 8, 2006.)