You have to get out of the like, whose fault is this? The reality is the dynamic between you clealy isn't as healthy as it could be. If you had no positive interactions with her, we would be strategizing in a very different way. I'm a big fan of genuine flattery, especially for someone who's as egodefensive as she sounds. It helps to sort of calm that reaction.
Part of Olivia’s job is to facilitate communication and cooperation between her former boss and senior management. Since Olivia transitioned from being a direct report to a liason, her former boss has been shutting her out of precisely the conversations she’s supposed to be supporting. In addition to excluding her, her former boss often demeans her and dodges her attempts to reset the relationship and connect like they used to.
Olivia’s concerned that this politicking is undermining her reputation and will jeopardize her chances of being promoted. What should she do? What should you do if you find yourself in a similar situation?
In this episode, Amy G talks with Olivia about her situation and recommends tactics for her to try. By the end, Olivia knows what she needs to do to get her former boss to see her as a partner, regain a seat at the table — and politik in a way that benefits the entire team..
Resources:
Sign up for the Women at Work newsletter.
Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org