When Someone tries to undermine your authority, it’s easy to get angry and upset. But reacting emotionally to such a situation is like confirming the interlocutor’s words. There are several other ways to make it clear to others that their behavior is unacceptable. At the same time, you will retain your self-esteem and show yourself mature, reasonable, and self-confident.
7 ways to handle authority threats
1. Keep calm
Calmness is a fifty percent success rate when Someone tries to undermine your authority. It makes the interlocutors doubt their abilities to make you lose your temper and achieve what you want. Besides, you can do many stupid things in anger that you will regret later. Instead of getting annoyed and immediately responding to unpleasant comments about yourself, take a step back and take some time to cool down and collect your thoughts.
2. Come up to the person and admit what happened
Solve the situation directly with the person who created it. Don’t let it turn into a ton of passive-aggressive behavior, revenge, or arrogance. Approach the person trying to undermine the authority and admit that you guessed his intentions. Visit. A F R I N I K . C O M . For the full article, briefly and clearly: “I noticed that you contradicted me in conversation and tried to point out that my opinion does not matter. Why?” Most people who want to poison our lives feel awkward at such moments. This may be an excellent reason for them to reconsider their approach to communication, not repeat such actions, and apologize for their behavior.
3. Don’t take it personally
Attempts to undermine Someone’s authority often stem from another person’s insecurity. His words and actions are similar to an attack, but it may just be unhealthy social behavior that the interlocutor projects unwittingly. He’s trying to assert himself at your expense because he doesn’t like himself and doesn’t believe that he’s good enough. That’s why you shouldn’t take his attacks to heart. Remember that the actions of others always say more about themselves than about you.
4. Set clear boundaries
Define and establish clear communication boundaries to let the other person know you will not allow anyone to undermine your authority. For example, you can say, “In the future, I would appreciate it if you informed me of your concerns rather than doing it in front of the whole team.” If a person violates the established boundaries, remind him that his behavior is unacceptable. Also, consider a plan B in case you don’t get lost, keep your composure, and quickly resolve the problematic situation.
5. Use the facts to defend yourself
People trying to undermine our authority are trying to get us emotional. Therefore, when defending yourself, you need to speak in the language of facts, not feelings. First, this is how you let the abusers know that their plan failed and their words did not hurt you at all.
Secondly, objective evidence always carries more weight than trying to get other people to take your word for it. In addition, if Someone regularly tries to undermine your authority, but you fight back with the help of facts, others will notice it. They will lose confidence not in you but in Someone who allows himself to attack you.
6. Document the incidents
If one of your colleagues threatens your authority, document the incidents, including the time, place, and witnesses of what happened. This will be useful if the situation escalates or the management turns to you because of his actions.
7. If necessary, speak out publicly
Of course, conflicts involving two people are better resolved in private. But sometimes, it doesn’t help, and then you have to speak out publicly. If Someone tries to undermine your authority in the company of friends or colleagues, react immediately.
Refrain from letting his false statements seem authentic and remain uncorrected. Correct the interlocutor tactfully, but do not confront him. If you don’t do this, other people may perceive his words as the truth; restoring your reputation will be much more challenging.
