By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
Betrayal occurs when someone does not live up to expectations. A study of 700 employees conducted by Hogan Assessment Systems found that nearly 80 percent of respondents had been the victim of betrayal.
Once it has happened once, it is difficult to separate the fear of betrayal from its reality of in the workplace, particularly if you are someone who leads a group or an organization and has experienced it. To you, the reason may seem a mystery or a surprise. Surprises for you are never good.
“I don’t deserve to be undermined!”
“Why did they do an end run?”
“I was trying to handle this through channels!”
Leaders with the dominant trait of trust may uncharacteristically lash out and make a bad situation worse. This behavior isn’t acceptable when you are in leadership. Responding with a tempered attitude, controlled demeanor and measured choice of words are important to avoid the perception that you will be retaliating. Retaliation will be self-defeating and create a toxic environment and staff turnover you don’t want.
The Impact of Betrayal on Leaders
Leaders often experience betrayal when they don’t involve employees in important decisions, or act disrespectfully. This may result in gossiping at the (virtual)…
