Workplace infighting, or has your boss abused your trust?
"Has your boss ever abused your trust?" - was the question Melinda asked during our first coaching session. And indeed, it might be a logical thought, because in many large multinational companies, and even in domestic companies, it is very common to Workplace infighting, the infighting, the internal political clashes.
Melinda's story: when success makes you a target at work
Melinda's success story was also her trap. Having led in a similarly challenging environment as commercial director of several multinational companies, I knew exactly what she was talking about. A Workplace infighting I have seen many similar cases - successful professionals who have become the target of organisational conflict precisely because of their excellence.
Anatomy of the double attack
Melinda's situation was a classic example of what organisational psychology calls it "double knitting". On the one hand, there were attacks from his own level - colleagues who feared for their position next to the most successful team member. On the other hand, the leader has his own for domestic policy purposes wanted to use him.
"I was always the most successful at what I did," said Melinda. "When you become a target in the workplace, your outstanding successes partly give you some protection, but in other respects they make you more of a target for attacks."
The paradox of successful people in the job competition
Why do the best performers become targets?
A workplace politics in a world of high performance also means vulnerability. Based on my years of coaching experience, I have identified three main reasons why people start Workplace infighting against successful professionals:
1. Threat to the status quo Excellent performance challenges the comfort zone of others. In Melinda's case, colleagues feared that her results would raise expectations for everyone.
2. Becoming an instrument Successful professionals are often used for the benefit of others. Melinda's manager knew that she was the "trusted card" who would not let the project down - even if it put her in an unethical position.
3. Envy and jealousy It's human nature to find it hard to tolerate the success of others, especially when it makes our own shortcomings visible.
Coaching to help you survive the job battle
1. Situation analysis and pattern recognition
The first step is always to leadership self-awareness development. Together with Melinda, we mapped the organisational dynamics:
- Who is positioned in the hierarchy
- What informal associations exist
- Where are the lines of force and centres of influence
2. Setting boundaries against manipulation at work
"But how can I say no to my boss?" - Melinda asked. This is the classic dilemma of every successful leader. The battle for position in the workplace we have learned in the course of managing:
- How to communicate diplomatically but firmly
- What alternatives to offer
- How to protect your integrity without confrontation
3. Developing strategic thinking
A leadership competences strategic vision is key. Melinda and I have developed a medium-term plan for Workplace infighting Treatment:
- How to build your own support network
- How to document your results
- How to position yourself in the organisation
4. Strengthening emotional intelligence
A stress at work management and maintaining emotional balance was critical. Melinda learned:
- How to stay objective in tense situations
- How to deal with manipulative behaviour
- How to stay motivated
The results of change: surviving the job battle
After a little over six months of coaching, Melinda's situation has radically changed:
On a personal level:
- Becoming more confident in communicating
- Learn to manage organisational pressure
- Developed leadership presence and impact
At professional level:
- You have succeeded in building your support network
- A more stable position in the organisation
- His results have been even more acclaimed
At organisational level:
- Toxic dynamics have decreased around it
- Improved team cohesion
- Projects implemented more efficiently
Do you recognise yourself? A survival strategy for the job market
If you recognised yourself in Melinda's story, you are not alone. A organisational development statistics show that 70% of managers face similar challenges in their careers.
When should you seek coaching help?
Immediately, if:
- Ongoing Workplace infighting you feel in the crossfire
- Your boss is trying to involve you in dubious ethics
- Despite your successes, you experience constant stress at work
- Feeling out of control in your career
In the medium term, if:
- You want to develop your leadership skills
- Want to navigate more confidently in the corporate policy
- Right work-life balance achieve your goal
The long-term benefits of coaching in managing position conflict
A leadership development is not a one-off process, but an investment in your future:
- Increase self-confidence: You will know how to stand up for yourself
- Strategic thinking: Steps will help you think ahead
- Increasing influence: You will have an authentic leadership presence
- Improved stress tolerance: You handle challenges calmly
- Career progress: You can consciously shape your professional path
Next steps in tackling workplace conflict
If you recognise yourself in Melinda's story and feel that coaching could help you to Workplace infighting to deal with it, stop procrastinating. The best time to start is NOW.
In my many years of leadership and coaching experience, I have seen that the people who do best are those who are proactively managed these situations, rather than reactively waiting for the situation to resolve itself.
Your career is too valuable to leave to chance. Take control!
Frequently asked questions - Managing job disputes
1. How much does a coaching process cost to manage a job conflict?
The price of executive coaching usually ranges from 25.000-80.000 HUF/session, depending on the experience of the coach. A full process (6-12 sessions) costs around 400.000-800.000 HUF. It's important to consider this as an investment - the ROI is often several times the cost in terms of career advancement and salary increases.
2. How long does a coaching process take to deal with workplace conflicts?
An average coaching process lasts 6-12 months, with weekly, fortnightly or monthly sessions. The first results are noticeable after just 2-3 sessions in managing workplace conflict, but lasting change takes 6-8 months. The pace of the process is determined by individual goals and challenges.
3. What is the difference between therapy and coaching for workplace problems?
The coaching is future-oriented and goal-oriented - focusing on specific professional challenges, such as managing a job competition or career advancement. Therapy is past-oriented and problem-solving - it focuses on working through psychological trauma. Coaching is not a substitute for therapy, but a complement to it.
4. How to choose the right coach to deal with workplace conflicts?
Look at the CoachKereso.hu website, or contact us at Contact CoachLab!
General important criteria are: relevant leadership experience (at least 10-15 years), accredited training e.g.: university coach training, references from managers in similar positions or personal leadership experience, personal chemistry, and specialization in managing workplace conflict or organizational conflict.
5. Will what I share about my boss during coaching remain confidential?
Yes, there is complete confidentiality during coaching. The coach must not share the content of any conversation with anyone - your employer or anyone else. This is a code of ethics and often a contractual obligation, which is particularly important in the event of a job dispute.
6. Does online coaching also work for workplace problems?
Online coaching can be just as effective as face-to-face coaching, especially when using video calls. The advantages are flexibility and time savings. However, in certain situations (in-depth self-awareness work, confidence building), face-to-face meetings can be more effective, especially for sensitive workplace issues.
7. What should I do if my boss is against coaching?
If your boss is against it, you have several options: you can finance it at your own expense, ask for HR support under the heading "leadership development", or choose a coach who works discreetly. It is important that the coaching is not aimed at "outsmarting" the employer, but at your development and managing the job competition.
8. What results can I expect from coaching in workplace conflicts?
Typical results: increased confidence in leadership situations, better conflict management skills, more effective communication in the job battle, career advancement, better work-life balance, reduced stress, and often a pay rise or promotion within 6-12 months.
9. When should I NOT choose coaching for workplace problems?
Don't choose coaching if: you have serious mental health problems (need therapy instead), you are unwilling to change, your expectations are unrealistic (instant miracle), or your body is so toxic and unable to change that leaving is the only solution.
10. How do I measure the effectiveness of coaching in managing workplace conflict?
Measurable indicators: improved 360° feedback, achievement of specific management goals, increased team performance, reduced work stress, reduced job position struggles, fewer career moves, increased salary, and increased personal satisfaction. The coach will monitor these regularly with you.
