HBR On Leadership When One of Your Employees Is Working Against You
32 snips
Apr 9, 2025 Adrian Gostick, an executive coach and co-author of Leading with Gratitude, joins the discussion to tackle the tricky dynamics of difficult employees. He offers strategies for managing those who seem to sabotage, hoard information, or form disruptive cliques. The conversation emphasizes the power of gratitude in leadership and the importance of clear communication. Tips for addressing underperformance and improving team dynamics are also shared, making it clear that effective conflict resolution is essential for fostering a positive work environment.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
The Schmoozer
- Adrian Gostick recalls an employee, "Sam," who was loved by clients and senior leaders but disliked by teammates.
- Sam spent his time schmoozing with executives, neglecting his team, and the CEO dismissed complaints.
Address Senior Leadership
- If the employee isn't likely to get caught, address the issue with senior leadership.
- Present yourself politically, even if uncomfortable, to highlight the employee's negative impact.
Focus on Performance
- Frame the manipulative employee's actions as poor performance, not just relationship-building.
- Highlight how their actions negatively affect overall efficiency and team performance.
