Convergence

February 26, 2024

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Dear Leaders,

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Malibu, California is a beautiful place.? Great beaches, pleasant climate, and multimillion dollar mansions, it’s the lifestyle for surfers and the rich and famous alike.? Malibu also has the unique distinction as being the focal point of nearly all of California’s disasters, with fires in the dry season, mudslides and landslides when it’s raining, and of course, earthquakes, they all converge in this one spot and turn the dream into a nightmare.? Dealing with bad professional relationships up and down the chain can create the same feeling, for when you have to deal with a bad boss and toxic employees simultaneously, heaven can turn into hell.

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I was a front-line supervisor in a section for a large US Government agency.? My boss went from being helpful and supportive to being openly hostile not only to me, but also to the people, and her very presence was a hindrance to the mission in the way she would make demands and change even her own edicts on a whim.? In short, she was the kind of person that a dog would not lick her hand, even for the salt.? It wasn’t enough that I had to deal with her, I also had to shield my people from her machinations.?

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I had a good team working for me, and I was also the office manager for administrative, logistical, and technical support.? If that wasn’t enough, I was the office and organizational expert on our mission, methodologies, policies, and procedures.? To say that I was busier than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking contest would be an understatement.? I relished the role nonetheless, for I have a bad habit of being an adrenaline junkie and I love helping people and solving problems.?

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Not everyone, however, was with the program.? A person hired to do intelligence research and reporting was a malcontent almost from his first day on the job.? As I got to know him, I assessed that his personality was such that he worked at being a misfit, and although he was quite intelligent and capable, that which he wanted to do was at more of a strategic level rather than the end-user level we needed.? I encouraged him to seek employment at levels consummate with his skill and desire, but he repeatedly declined.?

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As time went on, the two problems got worse.? My boss became more intransigent, passed me over for promotion, and in the process, made sure I looked deficient so I wouldn’t get the job.? My research specialist had by now developed a delusion that he was not responsible for the mission for which he was hired (Note:? I had no control over his hiring, he was festered on me), and was also not required to meet any expectations for productivity and results.? All during this time, the needs of the people who counted on me and genuinely appreciated what I did continued unabated.

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As you would expect, it took a toll on my health and well-being, and it showed.? My wife, my team, and my colleagues noted that I didn’t look well, and I began to dread going to work rather than relish it as I had in the past.? In short, I became the embodiment of Malibu, as what should have been busy but pleasant was a confluence of pain and drudgery.

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I knew I had to do something, and that started with a change of attitude.? Drawing on experience, I remembered what got me past the feeling of being an impostor.? We’ll save that one for another letter, but I reminded myself that I have the talent and ability and I can make things happen no matter what the obstacles.? I received a few acupuncture treatments, got some well-needed rest, and went back in as my old self – the person who gets it done.?

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I also decided that I was taking on too much, so I started delegating a bit more, and prioritizing the various missions.? Above all, I didn’t neglect my people, and they rallied around me for support, often noting that they were glad I was still there for them.? That vote of confidence had more value than anything else and reinforced my own sense of worth.

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As for the problems, they didn’t go away, but I met them head on.? I avoided the boss whenever possible, and when necessary, was polite, yet brief in any interaction, and then I would quietly do what I could to neutralize her interference in our work.? As for the problem child, it was a bit more challenging, and when he stood in my doorway being openly disrespectful while refusing directives to leave my office, I blew up and shouted at him to get out.? He left for the day, and then went on stress leave.? The bosses weren’t happy, but the rank and file stood up for me, as they were equally tired of his disruptions, and they were forced to back down.?

When caught in a bad situation, leaders do whatever they can to manage the problems while taking care of their mission and people.? It’s a hard row to hoe, and managing your own stress levels in the process is the greatest challenge.? You can’t give up, but you also need to realize when it’s time for a change.? That was the best thing for me, and when an opportunity to leave for something better came along, I took it.? My people were sad that I left, but it was in the best interests of all, for my continued presence would have only made an unpleasant situation worse.? Upper management wouldn’t take action on my bad boss, and political capital can eventually run out, so you must know when to seek new opportunities.??

I got a parting shot at both as I left, for the intransigent employee required a security clearance update, and testimony from me and others saw to it that he didn’t get it, thereby forcing him into retirement.? The bad boss found herself ostracized and had to be content with her little empire, for my new position afforded me control over the regional and some national activities for which she had to acquiesce to me.? In the end, I was free to use my talents at the highest levels and reach new heights of success.?

Even with its trials and tribulations, Malibu is still beautiful. When leaders focus on that which is good in their lives, and work through the bad, the sun will shine on you as you walk along the beach of your life. Just watch your step. ??

Sincerely,

Tim