From Dysfunction to Function

After posting Albert J. Bernstein's list of 15 Signs Your Workplace is Dysfunctional, I worried it might leave the impression that most workplaces are so screwed up it doesn't matter where you land -- the workplace is doomed to equal dysfunction.

That why I'm happy I came across a recent column by leadership consultant, coach and speaker John Baldoni. He's author of the book "Lead your Boss: The Subtle Art of Managing Up." In his article for the Washington Post blog on leadership, Baldoni offers his insight on The Upside of a Bad Boss and offered his perspective on the opportunities which may be presented inside the dysfunctional workplace:

"Fortunately most bad bosses are not bullies; they are merely incompetent, promoted into positions based on past performance where perhaps they did a good job. Now they are in roles where they are responsible for others, and so they are hopelessly lost and often they are very afraid.


"Such bosses need (and might even welcome) leadership from below, anything that will help them save their jobs which by rights they should not hold. Such bosses create opportunities for bright, energetic souls of good intention to exert their leadership. Before one can lead up, it is essential to be a capable performer. That is, you need to do your job and do it well. Such competence gives you the credibility you need to act."

Read all of Baldoni's article for his suggestions on "managing up from the middle."

Sometimes the example of one person can be the catalyst for change.You don't have to be the boss in order to show leadership and create an atmosphere for positive change. Or to show the path from dysfunction to function.