Power + Insecurity = Bullying
In case you need convincing, here is a compelling reason to pray that your boss is self confident and up to the task: researchers studying powerful managers have found a link between self-perceived incompetence and aggression.
In a paper published in Psychological Science, Nathanael J. Fast (U Southern California) and Serena Chen (U California, Berkeley) report on four studies showing that power paired with self-perceived incompetence leads to aggression, and that this response is driven by feelings of “ego defensiveness.”
Incompetence alone does not lead to aggression; it is only when mixed with power that behaviour turns volatile. Power increases the degree to which individuals feel that they need to be competent, the researchers write, both in order to hold onto their power and to fulfill the demands and expectations that come with their high-power roles.
Now, if you are on the receiving end and think you can calm the manager-beast with heaping spoonfuls of flattery, think again. The researchers write: “It is both interesting and ironic to note that such flattery, although perhaps affirming to the ego, may contribute to the incompetent power holder’s ultimate demise—by causing the power holder to lose touch with reality.”
Factoid: According to Workplace Bullying Institute and Zogby International, 37 percent of American workers have been bullied at work, primarily having been sabotaged, yelled at, or belittled by their bosses.
“When the Boss Feels Inadequate”, by Nathanael J. Fast and Serena Chen; Psychological Science (Vol. 20, No. 11, pp. 1406-1413, 2009)
If you cannot find this paper in your local library, email me for a copy: Alan [at] AlanMorantz.com
photo credit: mouton.rebelle