Bossed around? Six ways to deal with difficult leaders

Bossed around? Six ways to deal with difficult leaders
Brain Circuits; by Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg; 6/11/25 
Have you ever experienced behavior by a leader that defies conventional norms of engagement? Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg suggests strategies to handle bosses who dispense with widely accepted norms of civility, empathy, and ethical leadership.

1. Play your part in the drama ...
2. Shape the narrative early ...
3. Harness the power of ego ...
4. Redirect the discussion ...
5. Build rapport ...
6. Fight back – with back-up ...

Key takeaways: In a world where all-powerful leaders set the tempo, the best response is not to resist or comply, but to navigate strategically and psychologically. Speed matters – shape the story before they do and build rapport by finding even small points of agreement. And, if escalation is inevitable, don’t do it alone!