Have you ever sat in a meeting where your boss talks over everyone, rarely admits a mistake, and seems to crave the spotlight, leaving you hesitant to speak up? You’re not imagining things. Their need for status can create a tense atmosphere that leaves you feeling unheard, undervalued, and stuck.
Working for someone who’s addicted to power isn’t just frustrating, it can be downright draining. You might notice:
- You hesitate to share ideas because it feels like your boss’s voice always drowns yours out.
- You second-guess yourself before speaking, worried about being shut down or ignored.
- You hold back feedback, fearing it will be dismissed or worse, cause conflict.
- You feel invisible or like you’re playing a supporting role in a one-person show.
- Even when you try to collaborate, decisions feel like they’ve already been made.
This kind of environment can sap your motivation, stunt your growth, and leave you disengaged, even if you love your job otherwise.
Why It’s Not Just ‘Their Problem’
A leader’s craving for status doesn’t just affect them, it ripples through the whole team. When power feels one-sided, teams often suffer from:
- Less innovation because people stop suggesting ideas.
- A culture of silence where only ‘safe’ opinions surface.
- Growing stress as people try to ‘walk on eggshells.’
- Feeling undervalued, which can lead to burnout or job-hopping.
The good news? You’re not powerless here.
What You Can Do to Take Back Your Voice
While you can’t change someone else’s brain, you can change how you respond, and create ripples of positive change in your team:
- Find Your Safe Space
Identify allies in the team or mentor figures who can support you. Sometimes, talking through challenges with trusted colleagues helps you feel heard and gain perspective. - Frame Your Input as Helpful, Not Challenging
When you share ideas or feedback, try language that emphasizes collaboration: “I wonder if we could try…” or “One possibility might be…” This can lower defensive walls and invite dialogue. - Ask Clarifying Questions
If your boss makes a decision without discussion, gently ask for their thinking: “Can you help me understand your approach here?” This shows engagement without confrontation. - Pick Your Moments
You don’t need to speak up every time, just focus on when your input will have the most impact. Quality over quantity helps build your credibility and confidence. - Protect Your Wellbeing
If the power dynamic feels overwhelming, prioritize your mental health. Use breaks, set boundaries, and seek support outside work if needed. - Model the Behaviour You Want to See
When you get the chance, show openness, curiosity, and respect for others’ voices. Positive ripples can influence even the toughest dynamics over time.
Remember: You Matter, Even If It Doesn’t Always Feel That Way. Your voice is a critical part of the team’s success, and you deserve to be heard. While your boss’s love of power can make it hard, small shifts in how you show up can start to change the culture.