How to Handle a Team Leader Who Barks Orders

I have a team leader that likes to bark orders in a rough voice. What can we do?

The Team Doc Says…

Oh my goodness! A barking team leader is never a good thing. And coaching the boss is tough for many people. Your best bet would be to provide your team leader with feedback about how he (assumption on gender!) comes across. It’s possible he just doesn’t realize it.

If you or another team member are willing to do this, you should use the feedback model as a guide. That means you will frame your feedback in the “When you ________, I feel ________” format. Here’s an example. “When you use your current method of screaming orders at team members, they (I) have a tendency to get defensive and shut down. It would be better for you to be directive without being so rough.”

Then have a dialogue around the topic. Try this and let me know how it goes.

What about you reader? Do you have other suggestions? Please leave a comment.