Undermining Authority

Tue, July 15th, 2008 by Tom Foster

5 Responses to “Undermining Authority”

1. CAS Says:
   July 15th, 2008 at 7:26 am

   I wouldn't think that an EXPLANATION of "undermining authority" would have to be given to a person who is already in a supervisory position. If that's the case, he or she shouldn't be in that position.
   In my experience I've found that when someone is undermining the authority of another (especially between supervisors), it is an intentional action and should be addressed directly.

2. Larry Stamper Says:
   July 15th, 2008 at 8:37 am

   I have experienced this first hand. First off, when this happens, the upper management usually sees right through it. If it's not clear, a meeting should be held where everyone can voice their views and opinions. An honest team leader will share information, education and facts. The underminers will be tight lipped and give dishonest replies when confronted with their recent tactics.
   Honesty and truth will prevail as long as the upper management is fair and honest. In my case they were and the miners are now looking for a new mine. You must have faith in the intgrity of your conmpany's leadership in order to be confortable any of these types of situations that may arrise. Always convey the sharing of support and leadership to all of your subordinates and the bad seeds will weed themselves out.

3. Babs Says:
   July 16th, 2008 at 10:58 am

   A disruption of the commitment to the cause is the undermining authority of it's leader. This is not necessarily something that occurs from another supervisor, sometimes it happens from within the team.

4. Andre Says:
   July 16th, 2008 at 2:40 pm

   Thanks to everyone who have responded thus far, but no one has answered my question or given me examples. I don't know if I was unclear with the question I asked, but again the question is: What is the best way to explain undermining authority to a supervisor who is doing it to another supervisor? Also, can you give me examples I can use?

   Thanks

5. Lisette Says:
   November 2nd, 2008 at 1:49 am

   Undermining authority is when you are given a supervisory title but your manager that gave you the position allows one of your subordinates or anyone that should not have the power, to have the authority to overrule your decisions making it impossible for you to execute the duties of your position for the benefit of your department or unit instead of the hidden agendas of that individual allowed to undermine you. Example you want to hire a bilingual staff member that has great qualifications, certifications, education and over 10 years of experience. You are sending the hiring package to HR and this person in the office sees the candidate in your office and asks you what is that person doing there. You explain that is the candidate that you are submitting for the position in your office that is vacant and that will meet the needs of your customers and your office. Faster than a speeding bullet or cup cakes disappear at a birthday celebration in a school the opportunity of that person to get the position disappears because this person does not like people of that ethnicity in the office and this person has great influence and power given by the office manager over you. Therefore, the hiring is denied and the position is given to the second runner up which was the person that this powerful person the under miner really wanted there. The rest of your team sees this, and you know what happens they know now where the real power is placed and you are like a decorative king or queen, you have the title but not the authority and they will gravitate to that power like flies to the honey. It gets worse when the under miner is the ex spouse of your manager.

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