Last updated on Jul 19, 2024

Your authority is challenged by a senior manager in front of the team. How will you assert your leadership?

When you're in a leadership position, facing challenges to your authority is not uncommon. It's a test of your leadership skills and your ability to handle difficult situations with grace and professionalism. If a senior manager challenges your authority in front of your team, it can be unsettling, but it's crucial to respond in a way that maintains your credibility and command. How you handle this situation can define your leadership style and influence your team's respect for you.

1 Stay Composed

Maintaining composure is paramount when your authority is under fire, especially in a public setting. Take a deep breath and avoid reacting defensively or showing signs of agitation. Your team will look to you for cues on how to interpret the situation, and your calm demeanor can set a tone of professionalism. By staying composed, you demonstrate that you're capable of handling high-pressure situations, which is a key trait of effective leadership.

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Rishikesh Chandra

Chief Technology Officer at Intelligaia| Software Architect| Cloud Architect | AI & Web3 Enthusiast
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A pillar of good leadership is being calm, particularly under pressure. Having been a CTO for more than nine years, I have seen many high-stress situations when maintaining composure was crucial for leading my team and handling stakeholders. Based on my experience, here are some ideas : 1. Embrace the Power of a Deep Breath 2. Avoid Defensive Reactions 3. Model Professionalism for Your Team 4. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems 5. Communicate Calmly and Clearly 6. Acknowledge Mistakes and Learn from Them

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Donna Andrle

Regional Operations Director | Analytical Insight, Strong Relationships
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Although it is in poor taste to challenge your subordinate in front of their reports, it may happen from time to time. I feel the best way to handle this is to calmly state (or reiterate) your position with the supporting facts, then make a point to tell your leader that you would be more than happy to have further review with them during a one-on-one meeting. I would then proceed with the current agenda.

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2 Listen Actively

Active listening is an essential skill in de-escalating conflicts. Give the senior manager the floor without interruption. This shows respect for their position and allows you to fully understand the concerns being raised. By actively listening, you not only gather important information but also convey to your team that you value open communication and are willing to consider different perspectives.

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Rishikesh Chandra

Chief Technology Officer at Intelligaia| Software Architect| Cloud Architect | AI & Web3 Enthusiast
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More than just hearing words, active listening is a vital ability for good leadership and dispute resolution. As a CTO, I have discovered that resolving disagreements, developing confidence, and creating a cooperative atmosphere all depend on active listening. Here’are some steps for, how to practice active listening and its impact on your role: 1. Give the Senior Manager the Floor Without Interruption 2. Reflect and Clarify Understanding 3. Acknowledge the Speaker’s Concerns 4. Demonstrate Empathy Through Non-Verbal Cues 5. Address Concerns Constructively 6. Encourage Open Dialogue

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3 Clarify Intent

Once the senior manager has made their point, seek clarification if needed. This helps ensure that you're responding to the actual issue rather than your interpretation of it. Asking questions can also demonstrate to your team that you're engaging in a constructive dialogue rather than a confrontation. Clarifying intent is a strategic way to steer the conversation towards resolution and away from conflict.

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4 Assert Diplomatically

When it's your turn to speak, assert your position diplomatically. Acknowledge the senior manager's concerns and provide your perspective with confidence. Use "you" statements to keep the focus on the issue, not the person. This approach shows your team that you can assert your authority without being confrontational, which is a hallmark of mature leadership.

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Sami AlDajani, MBA Candidate

Sami AlDajani | MBA Candidate | Experienced Project Manager | Skilled in Data Analysis, Strategic Planning | Passionate about Business Development and Innovation.
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During a project review meeting, a senior manager expressed concerns about our timeline. When it was my turn to speak, I acknowledged their concerns: "I understand your worries about the schedule." Then, I diplomatically asserted my position: "Our team has implemented additional measures to ensure we meet the deadline. Your feedback has been invaluable in guiding these improvements." By focusing on the issue and using "you" statements, I maintained a respectful and confident tone. This approach demonstrated to my team that it's possible to assert authority without confrontation, exemplifying mature leadership.

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Olivier Missir

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When asserting your position diplomatically, acknowledge the senior manager's concerns and present your perspective confidently. Use 'you' statements to focus on the issue, not the person. This shows your team that you can assert your authority without confrontation, a hallmark of mature leadership. Remember, clarity and respect in communication help maintain a professional environment and reinforce your leadership credibility.

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5 Seek Resolution

Aim for a resolution that respects both your authority and the senior manager's concerns. Propose a follow-up meeting if the matter can't be resolved on the spot. This signals to your team that you're committed to finding a solution and are willing to work collaboratively. Seeking resolution demonstrates problem-solving skills and a commitment to organizational harmony.

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6 Move Forward

After addressing the challenge, it's important to move forward positively. Reaffirm your commitment to the team's goals and encourage everyone to focus on the tasks at hand. This helps to restore normalcy and shifts attention back to productivity. Moving forward with a positive outlook reinforces your leadership and ensures that the incident doesn't detract from team morale or performance.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your authority is challenged by a senior manager in front of the team. How will you assert your leadership?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Composed

2 Listen Actively

3 Clarify Intent

4 Assert Diplomatically

5 Seek Resolution

6 Move Forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

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Your authority is challenged by a senior manager in front of the team. How will you assert your leadership?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Stay Composed

2 Listen Actively

3 Clarify Intent

4 Assert Diplomatically

5 Seek Resolution

6 Move Forward

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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