Submitted by pegman on
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BLUF: my boss was demoted (2 levels) via a leadership coup and needs support. Any good suggestions on how I provide this while giving him space.
2 days before Christmas an email was sent around detailing a significant leadership reshuffle (a significant surprise to all). I work for a global consultancy so it was a case of what we would recommend a client NOT to do in terms of effective change management.
Rumours were spiraling out of control (post the email) and I had the opportunity to speak to my boss about what happened. He was pretty dark as he found out about his demotion from the CEO several hours before the mass email.
How am I best to support him. As it is a partnership with a rather fluid structure, I have multiple managers and consequently I am concerned about politics as well as the welfare of my boss.
Demoted Boss
This sounds like a tough situation to be in. From what I've heard from the podcasts on Manager Tools the guys seem to be quite against advice and emotional support going up the organisational hierarchy.
All I would suggest is being as supportive as you can be to your boss but keep it within the manager-direct context. Make it clear that you are there to help and do whatever you can to make your boss's life easier. Don't get dragged into the gossip, keep focused on your work (the last thing you want is for your performance to suffer as a result). Your boss probably has his own support network to fall back on and should not really be burdening you (his direct) with his negative opinions and emotions.
Although the situation is bad, and the above advice may seem a little cold, it is important to remain objective and constructive in the face of disruption and negativity. If you can rise above the waves people will notice, and you may even influence a few people to do the same. Your boss will certainly appreciate your professionalism.
Hope this helps. Jonno.
Thanks Jonno
Sage advice.... Any tips on showing the required empathy will remaining somewhat surreptitious? I am very conscious of the politics as I am definitely seen as someone in my bosses camp.
Demoted Boss
Has your boss expressed any need or want for your help, support or advice? Unless your boss has asked for it I would suggest you don't try to provide it, either visibly or secretively.
If they did ask I would encourage them to look to the future rather than back at what happened. They need to determine whether they are happy to stay in the role or look elsewhere if they are unhappy with the new situation. This will all depend upon the reasons, circumstances and impacts of the demotion. If your boss feels their future at the company has been compromised/impaired by what has happened then it may be time to consider other options. A very likely alternative is that, after what happened, your boss will simply not trust their own management.
If they don't want to leave, or are not in a position where they have a choice, the best advice is for them to dig deep and get on with things. One's ability to recover from a negative situation is the best demonstration of fortitude and they will be respected for it.
As I said before these are all things that your boss should be considering and not burdening you with as his direct. If your boss knows you at all then they will understand that you have empathy with his situation, and your continued professionalism and effective delivery of your work will help him in his goals, whatever they are.
As for the politics unless you see this having a direct impact on you I would not worry. There is nothing wrong with others thinking that you are loyal to your manager, if anything it is a credit to your character. Avoid gossip, remain impartial with either side (you and most others won't know the full story of what happened), and keep focussed on your work. That is the best way you can help your boss, and yourself.
Hope this helps. Jonno.
Be professional
My thoughts - act exactly the same today as last week. If you still report to this boss, then nothing has changed for you. Be aware that tempers might be a little short so it is worth taking the extra time to compose thoughts/emails but otherwise, just be "normal".
The more you try to kid-glove the boss, you risk trying to manage your boss. Never a good thing.
Simply be very professional, do excellent work and be available to all your bosses, just as before.
Maintain relationships
I've been in a similar position as your former boss and offer the following suggestions:
Your former boss will make decisions about how he'll choose to move forward and one would expect him to keep his decision process private. Working to maintain a good relationship with him can be a vaccine against a feeling of isolation. I value the good relationships I have been able to maintain with former directs.
Good luck & best wishes,
Tim