A reader asks:
I am a high level manager in a medium sized company. Last year, our CEO retired after decades of leadership. I used to report to her, but during a transition it was decided that I would report to the second-in-command, Sally, who wanted the top job but didn’t get it.
Sally is extremely toxic, but our former CEO had a soft spot for her and has portrayed her in a very positive image towards the new CEO, Kate. While Kate has acclimated, she has handed over most of the day-to-day work to Sally.
However, Sally is actively lying to many different people about many things, with the intention of failing Kate. For example, at a recent meeting Sally was leading, she gave us specific examples of work going on and encouraged us to do similar work in our departments. But when I contacted the people supposedly working on these specific tasks, they had no idea what I was talking about. Another example: Kate believes that Sally is organizing and conducting a series of important meetings, but Sally is not conducting those meetings, nor does she participate in most of them, although Kate clearly thinks she is. Sally has a habit of scheduling meetings, then canceling them a minute early or not attending at all with no explanation, but she reports back as if she attended. She also presents herself as giving specific instructions on Kate’s behalf, but those instructions often contradict what Kate has told us directly. Meanwhile, I’m sensing that some non-management employees, who aren’t as familiar with this dynamic, are starting to become dissatisfied with Kate’s leadership.
We’re afraid Kate will think we’re all a bunch of disgruntled employees who aren’t flexible if we try to clue her in. But we all really like Kate and want her to succeed!
I have some personal contact with Kate but she is extremely busy so it is limited. There are other people who have more influence, who are at the end of their relationship with Sally, but are reluctant to put themselves on the line. What do we do on earth?
I Inc. today. I’m answering this question here, where I’m revisiting letters that are buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding their answers). You You can read it here.
