Summary: Power, just saying the word brings up so many images. Parents, pointing the finger to send you to your room. Having a boss tell you, you’re fired. Yet, it isn’t always wielded by those with the most authority or the loudest voice. Often, individuals who feel powerless within themselves can exert a surprising amount of influence over their colleagues. Let’s see how these individuals use lateness and manipulation to control others, creating a toxic work environment.
Dear Dr. Sylvia,
I am drowning in frustration.
I know that sounds dramatic. However, the COO at my organization, sees himself as the main point of contact. He thinks he has to approve everything that we all do. He is a “teller” not an “asker.”
It is almost impossible to get a time to meet with him. Yet, he, not the CEO nor the CFO, sign off on budget. He does. He does EVERYTHING,
We have to beg to get time with him. However, when he wants to meet with you, you must turn your day inside out, to be available when he wants.
The CEO and CFO love that he is the one who makes our company run like “a Swiss clock.”
In any case, I would love so thoughts about power and ideas of what we can do or say to change the dynamic at work.
It is unhealthy, causing stress and many of us ready to jump ship.
Signed,
Real Power
The Psychology of Powerlessness
Dear Real Power,
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the psychology behind why some people who feel powerless internally can exert external control over others.
For example, these individuals often suffer from low self-esteem, insecurity, and a profound sense of inadequacy.
In addition, they might feel that they have little control over their own lives, which leads them to seek control in other ways—most notably, by manipulating those around them.
The Constant Lateness Tactic
One of the most common behaviors exhibited by these individuals is chronic lateness.
This isn’t mere forgetfulness or poor time management; it’s a deliberate power play.
By consistently arriving late, they force others to wait, subtly asserting their dominance over the individual or group’s time and schedules. This behavior sends a message: “Your time is less valuable than mine.”
Here is how the power of being late shows up at work:
- Disruption of Workflow: Chronic lateness disrupts meetings, delays project timelines, and hampers productivity. When a key team member is always late, it sets back the entire team’s progress.
- Erosion of Morale: Repeatedly waiting for a latecomer can lead to frustration and resentment among team members, eroding overall morale and creating a hostile work environment.
Manipulation and Negative Utilization of Colleagues
In addition to being late, these individuals often use their colleagues in negative ways. This can manifest in several forms, including:
- Emotional Manipulation: They might play the victim or use guilt to get others to do their work. This emotional manipulation can lead to a skewed distribution of tasks, where they do less and others do more.
- Undermining Others: To feel superior, they might subtly undermine their colleagues’ confidence and efforts. This could be through backhanded compliments, spreading rumors, or openly criticizing in public settings.
- Playing Power Games: They might create alliances with certain team members to isolate others, fostering an environment of division and mistrust. Playing favorites is a big game for powerless people to play. This includes giving bigger bonuses without any evidence to back it up. This is a way for the favorites to become beholden to their benefactor.
The Impact on the Workplace
The impact of such behaviors is far-reaching and profoundly negative. A workplace dominated by these subtle power plays becomes toxic, stifling creativity and productivity. The atmosphere becomes one of distrust and competition rather than collaboration and support.
- Increased Stress: Colleagues who are constantly manipulated or have to deal with the fallout of the latecomer’s behavior experience increased stress and burnout.
- Reduced Team Cohesion: When team members are pitted against each other or forced to cover for someone who is perpetually late, team cohesion suffers. Trust is eroded, and the sense of unity dissolves.
- Hampered Career Growth: Talented individuals might find their career growth stymied as they are overshadowed by the manipulative tactics of their insecure colleagues. This can lead to high turnover rates as employees seek healthier work environments.
Strategies for Managing Powerless Individuals
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, combining personal development for the individual and strategic management interventions.
- Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication within the team. Addressing the issue directly can sometimes lead to self-awareness and behavioral change.
- Setting Boundaries: Managers should set clear expectations regarding punctuality and task responsibilities. Consistently enforcing these boundaries can mitigate the disruptive impact of lateness and manipulation.
- Professional Development: Providing opportunities for personal and professional growth can help individuals who feel powerless develop a stronger sense of self-worth, reducing their need to manipulate others.
Talking truth to power (or those who claim power!)
Understanding the hidden dynamics of power within the workplace is crucial for fostering a healthy and productive environment.
Individuals who feel powerless inside often yield power over others through chronic lateness and manipulative behavior, creating a toxic atmosphere.
By recognizing these patterns and implementing strategies to address them, teams can work towards a more positive and cohesive work environment.
To your success,
Sylvia Lafair
