Playing politics creates mediocre organizations filled with butt kissers and game players more interested in advancing their own career’s than in advancing their organization. I’ve seen the ants scurrying to tell the boss what the boss wants to hear. It’s selfish and cowardly.
If you’re convinced the boss is making a decision that isn’t in the best interest of the company, you owe it to your boss, your company, and yourself to go over the boss’ head.
The path
- Understand the decision by asking questions based on the best interests of the company.
- Explain your concerns and options to the boss.
If the boss doesn’t change and you’re still concerned …
- Tell your boss you’re gathering more information from others within the organization. Look for many perspectives.
After gathering more information, if you’re still concerned…
- Explain your concerns and present alternatives to your boss.
- If the boss isn’t convinced and you’re still concerned, tell them you are going up the chain with your concerns.
- As long as you remain concerned, exhaust every channel explaining your concerns and exploring alternatives.
The attitude
- Always act humbly and in the best interest of your organization.
- Always focus on decisions not persons.
- Always listen and explore other options.
- Always be open to the possibility you are wrong.
- Never compromise if you’re convinced you’re doing what’s best for your organization.
- If “the best” is ambiguous, you should never begin this path in the first place.
- Never go over the boss’s head because of preferences or unsupported opinions.
Warning
- Be prepared to lose your job.
- Always act humbly and in the best interest of your organization. (Yes I already said that)
Organizations need people of integrity.
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When and how should people go over the boss’s head?
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