I am an experienced staff member presently working under an inexperienced supervisor who is dictatorial and controlling. Presently she is telling staff to move their offices to locations outside of their assigned duties to “develop teams.” She is reluctant to listen to any other ideas and basically says “because I said so.”
The Team Doc Says…
This is a tough situation to work under. I imagine the “buzz” in your team is at high volume.
The first thing you need to do is make sure that your and your teammates emotions are not driving your perception of what is happening. A change in supervisors always causes some trepidation and angst. Then when the new leader starts making changes, it can really create havoc — since most of us human beings really hate change no matter what we say.
You can clarify the situation by sitting down and writing down the facts — without your added emotional filter. Also make note of the things she has said about “why” she is making the changes — and again listen without your filters on.
Once you’ve taken a look at the situation from a purely factual point of view, you can think more clearly about what action to take. If the changes truly are just haphazard and crazy for the inner workings of your team, it would be a good idea for you to speak with someone you trust in a leadership position to get advice on your next steps. Perhaps that person can spend some time coaching this new supervisor.
Another approach you may want to consider is to extend your hand to this new supervisor. I know that can be tough, but you can use one of the The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
