Research: Shifting the Power Balance with an Abusive Boss

When confronting an abusive supervisor, employees often assume they have two choices: confrontation or avoidance. But new research suggests a third option: Targets of abuse can flip the script, shifting the balance of power in their favor when bosses make life miserable. As subordinates gain leverage over time, they can strategically influence supervisors to stop abuse and even motivate them to mend strained relationships. This flip approach  is based on the understanding that bosses rely on their teams to get the work done. Subordinates can change the power dynamics by increasing their supervisor’s dependence on them.