Leadership can be challenging—not just for those in charge but also for those who follow. What happens when you don’t respect the leader you’re expected to follow? This is a common workplace dilemma and one that requires thoughtful navigation. While it’s easy to point fingers and resist leadership decisions, it’s much more productive to shift our focus to what we can control.
The Reality of Workplace Leadership
In some organizations, employees form resistant groups against a manager they dislike. They believe the company should remove the leader, but often, that’s not an option. The reality is that leadership decisions are often out of our hands. Leaders are appointed, and whether we agree with them or not, they hold authority.
So where does that leave us? We can’t always change who’s in charge, but we can change how we respond.
Shifting the Focus to What We Can Control
We often get caught up in things outside of our control, allowing frustration to build and resistance to take over. But as Dan Sullivan wisely put it, “Our eyes only see, and our ears only hear what our brain is looking for.” If we’re constantly looking for faults in leadership, we’ll always find them. Instead, we need to focus on what we can do to create a better workplace environment.
How to Move Forward
If you find yourself working under a leader you don’t respect, here are some key strategies to navigate the situation productively:
Row in the Right Direction
Teams function best when everyone is aligned toward a common goal. Even if you don’t respect the leader, working against them hurts the entire team. Find ways to be productive, collaborative, and focused on shared success.
Recognize Your Role in the Culture
Whether we like it or not, we all contribute to workplace culture. If we resist and complain without constructive action, we create more obstacles for ourselves and others. Instead, we should ask: How can I contribute to a more positive and effective workplace?
Offer Support Instead of Resistance
Rather than expecting a leader to fail, consider ways to offer assistance. No leader is perfect, and some struggle more than others. By working with them instead of against them, we help steer the team in the right direction.
Be Willing to Have Courageous Conversations
Honest dialogue is key. If concerns exist, they should be addressed professionally and respectfully. Avoid gossip and negativity—spreading discontent only creates more division. If speaking up feels too risky, consider finding a constructive way to communicate concerns, such as through a mentor or HR.
Adjust Your Mindset
Our psychological state of mind is within our control. Instead of focusing on frustration, try shifting your perspective: What can you learn from this situation? What strengths can you develop by working through challenges?
The Mindset Shift
Not every leader is inspiring, and not every leader initially earns respect. However, as employees, we have a choice—to resist and create more obstacles or to focus on what’s within our control and work toward a better workplace. By shifting our mindset, engaging in constructive conversations, and contributing positively to workplace culture, we can navigate difficult leadership situations with professionalism and resilience.
If you or your team are struggling with leadership challenges, let’s talk. I specialize in workplace conflict resolution and leadership training to help teams find solutions that move everyone forward. Reach out to explore how we can create a healthier, more effective workplace together.
With peace,
Penny
