In this episode of the 5 Leadership Questions podcast Barnabas Piper and Daniel Im take full advantage to Todd Adkins being out on vacation to talk about all the ways employees undermine bosses, the effects it has, and what should be done about it. We all undermine our superiors sometimes, whether or not we intend to, so there's something in this episode for everyone.

* What are ways that people undermine their bosses publicly, in meetings for example?

* What are ways that people undermine their boss behind his back?

* How do people undermine their bosses without even realizing it?

* What are the effects of these actions on the boss, on the team, and on the one doing the undermining?

* If someone realizes they have been doing these things, what can they do to resolve and remedy the issues?

BEST QUOTES

“Do you actively tune out?”

“Are you always playing the devil’s advocate?”

“If you’re regularly supportive of the boss than the occasional frustration is just the occasional frustration.”

“Another way people undermine the boss is just a lack of effort.”

“Have a good attitude and be a person of integrity.”

“90%+ of communication is non-verbal.”

“We can have no intention of being closed skeptical or, but if we appear that way to somebody they no w assume we are that way.”

“Know when to turn off the jokes.”

“There are a lot more people who can dish it out than take it.”

“If you’re a boss who can dish it out but not take it you’re a bully.”

“If you undermine your boss you are poking the nerve of insecurity.”

“Being self-deprecating doesn’t communicate weakness; it communicates self-awareness.”

“The question you should be asking is why you are doing that.”

“An apology almost always takes care of things if it’s a one-time issue.”

“Just stop.”

“Stop and think for five seconds.”

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni