Corporations on the Couch

Lynn Friedman, Ph.D., Psychoanalyst, Clinical Psychologist and Executive Coach

A monthly column published in the Washington Business Journal

A monthly column published in the Washington Business Journal

• A turncoat boss requires special care

Your boss isn't a man of his word. He's unreliable. How do you understand his untrustworthy behavior and how might you work effectively with him?

• Don't let your subordinates delegate work to you

You've hired an employee to lighten your load, but at every turn the drag their heels, demand endless supervision and generally drain your time and your resources. What's going on and what can you do about it?

• 'Retiring in place' may point to management isssues

Many workplaces tolerate long-term employees who aren't doing their jobs. Over time, other employees learn to work around them, often taking on parts of their jobs. Allowing this sort of behavior has a profound impact on organizational culture and morale. This column examines the effect of this dynamic.

• Managers must put the brakes on back stabbing

You are an officer of a board of trustees, and you have become aware of dissension in the ranks. Beleaguered by constant gossiping, backbiting and insubordination, the corporate workplace is not a happy one. Despite the poor morale, only the stars seem to leave.

• Failure to launch: Successful parents must let kids learn from failure

Why some young adults -- with highly successful parents have difficulty growing up and identifying and pursuing their work-life goals.

• Employee misconduct can be used as a learning tool

It's ugly -- and, you wish you hadn't discovered it. But you did. You're a senior vice president, and you've uncovered a "borrowing" incident among the rank and file. Melinda, a clerk, has been misappropriating small amounts of petty cash.

• Analyze this: My job, my life and why I'm not thrilled

Many successful people are frustrated and unhappy at work. But how does one clarify and resolve work-life issues? How does one know if one needs help? And, after deciding that help might be useful, how does one know what kind to seek? An important starting point is to identify the work-life conflict. In general, people struggle with three work-life conflicts:

What do I want to do with my life?

How do I go about pursuing my goals?

How do I galvanize myself to get started?

• Get the right diagnosis before treating HR woes

Consultants are often asked to conduct workshops with the implicit expectation that the workshop will magically change the corporate culture. This is unrealistic and will likely backfire. Instead, corporate leaders seeking organizational change are encouraged to have candid talks describing organizational dynamics and corporate goals with their consultant prior to planning an intervention.

• Needy bosses and the employees who need a break

Needy bosses can make inappropriate demands. Yet, setting limits with them can be extremely tricky. How do you understand and deal with these inappropriate demands? And, what steps can you take to effectively handle the situation?

• Coping mechanisms at work: More harm than good?

How do you help and support a superb employee who is sabotaging herself? You are neither a coach nor a psychoaanlyst, but here are some things that you can do to help her to become more self-aware.

• How corporate leaders can lead diverse teams for competitive advantage

You have diversity among your ranks. You don't want to lose talented people because they feel estranged or "out of it". To promote inclusivity within your corporate team, consider these strategies.

• Difficult staffers out, that's all anyone can talk about

When you fire an incompetent employee, staff members may be relieved but they still grieve and they still worry, here's why.

• When attempts to delegate boomerang, watch out

• You Answer to Everyone, even if one Employee asks (allowing an employee flex-time to pursue psychotherapy or any other personal goal)

The employee who negotiates a schedule in which he is gone for two hours over a ten hour stretch may not be job hunting. He may be quietly pursuing psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. Assuming his work is solid, supporting his effort may be another step in the direction of maintaining a healthy workplace. The silver lining in the cloud: individuals in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are typically able to focus more fully on their work.

• Second in command often first to suffer chief's vices

You are attempting to lead, but at every turn your boss undermines your authority. How can you understand this situation and how can you effectively address it?

• Errant employees are a window into your culture

When employees don't do their job, others work around them and pick up the slack. Before firing errant employees, consider each person's role in this, albeit inadvertent, cover-up. This column explores the kinds of factors that may be at play.

• To Erase Corporate Dysfunction, Assess and Address

Why are some workplaces so dysfunctional? How do you understand it and what can you do about it?

Corporations on the Couch cited here:

• Chalk it up to Experience: Small business experts teach you a thing about questions you should be asking