Boss Whispering

We also offer a specialised form of coaching which addresses abrasive behaviour patterns in leaders.  We resist using terms like bullying or toxic personalities because these tend to reinforce an aggressor/victim model which assumes intent and an inability to change.  Our working definition is taken from Dr Laura Crawshaw’s Boss Whispering model:

The Abrasive Leader is an “individual charged with managerial authority whose interpersonal behaviour causes emotional distress in co-workers sufficient to disrupt organisational functioning”.

Abrasive leaders are often unaware of the negative impact they have on others, believing that they need to exert their authority in order to be seen as competent.  They do so through behaviours which co-workers see as domination, aggression or intimidation.  

To hear Dr Laura Crawshaw's talk about The Boss Whisperer click here

Behaviour is capable of changing (ask yourself if you are behaving the same way as you did ten years ago). The Abrasive Leader can change and learn to work through problems with co-workers rather than use aggression.

The Boss Whispering method we are accredited with is unique in that it specifically addresses the problem with the leader as an active and willing participant, within the context of an sanctioned intervention by the organisation.  The alternatives are often at high cost/high risk to the organisation - disciplinary action, relocation of the leader or co-workers, termination or on-going support and counselling for co-workers to address their distress.

Talk to us if you want to know more about our experience with working to build conflict capability in teams and individuals, or to specifically address an Abrasive Leader issue in your organisation.

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