Headquarters, we have a problem

As promised last week I detail some of the ways you can tell if you have “midlevel tyranny” in your organization. See last weeks episode if you want to know about it.

Over time I’ve seen the following five things be fairly good indicators that there is a problem.


Complaints from multiple angles
Supposed Hero's singing their own praises
Many “prep meetings” or meetings for the meeting
Look out for relabeling
Independent Third Party Gambit


The mid-level tyrant will no doubt have a defense for their behavior. This will be something along the lines of their irreplaceability or genius. They are neither irreplaceable or a genius. They may however be worth of retention if they can be guided along a path that works for the organization. This is always the first step. Any manager however must be willing to do the right thing for the organization by pushing the toxic person out.

Trillion Dollar Coach - The book about Bill Campbell

Independent Third Party Gambit

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