The Workplace Therapist

Should you trust your boss?   That’s a big question, and you might be surprised by my answer – “No, you shouldn’t trust your boss.”  Let me explain.  The problem exists in how we define “trust.”  Too often, we define “trusting our boss” in a way that places unrealistic expectations on him / her.  We expect our boss to be competent, ethical and moral in his or her behaviors – not an unrealistic request.  But we … Read entire article »

Is your boss incompetent?  Do you get nervous every time he or she gets their hands in the decision-making process?  Now that’s not to say he or she is a bad person.  Many times when we have a boss we deem “incompetent,” it doesn’t mean we dislike him or her.  We just don’t trust their ability to make the “right” decision given their role and responsibilities.  Think of Michael Scott from the T.V. show “The … Read entire article »

Is your boss difficult to read?  Do you feel like interactions with your boss are more like playing poker against someone who is holding their cards close to their chest?  That wondering and guessing about our boss’ intentions can quickly erode into mistrust.  One of the fundamental principles in communication is that in the absence of all communication, people always assume the worst.  Makes sense when you think about it.  Here are the most common … Read entire article »

Does your boss protect you?  Do you feel like your boss has your back or are you left to fend for yourself at work?  This is a subtle but deadly trust-breaker.  I had a great conversation a few weeks ago about this very topic and here is what was said: “I like my boss as a person.  But every time our corporate office tries to take resources promised to us, rather than protect us and … Read entire article »

This month we’ve tackled a dysfunction that nearly all of us have encountered at some point in our careers: “I don’t trust my boss.”  I think you would agree me that this is not a fun situation to be a part of.  Whether our boss breaks our trust because he or she is unethical, incompetent, difficult to read, or fails to protect us – once that trust is broken it is hard to regain.  So, … Read entire article »