Mike is the VP of Operations at a logistics company. He has nine locations across the country with a direct staff heading up each facility. Mike has been struggling with his boss Tom who continuously drops in on conference calls and meetings with Mike’s staff. Mike notices that no matter how productive the meeting is, as soon as Tom enters everyone stops listening to Mike and waits to see what direction Tom is going to give them. Mike is getting very frustrated with his job and feels his staff is starting to lose respect for him.
- Should Mike discuss this issue with his boss Tom?
- What can Mike do to limit Tom’s involvement with his staff?
- Is there anything Mike can do with his staff to take back control without addressing the issue with Tom?