How to handle an employee going over your head

Leadership is something that even the greatest bosses hold with a tenuous grasp. For leadership to be successful, employees have to believe in it, and invest in it, under the assumption that the boss will steer them in the right direction. As soon as employees start questioning the motives or decisions of the boss, the system breaks down significantly, and leaders may find themselves in a position in which their own employees are attempting to bypass them and address their manager’s boss directly. This could be in an action as simple as needlessly CC-ing them in on an email, or as deliberately damaging as arranging a meeting with them without your knowledge.

It’s an embarrassing, uncomfortable situation that requires delicate action. Whilst it may be your first reaction to punish them for effectively publicly denouncing your command, this would only serve to satisfy your anger, and prove to them that you aren’t worthy of their investment. Instead, it’s important that you follow these steps, to ensure that not only do you put things right but that you understand their motives.

1. Underpin the organisational structure
It’s unlikely, but there is a chance, especially with new employees, that they may not understand the ramifications of what they’ve done. This is especially the case with emails, in which they may have just tried to bring an issue to the attention of management and therefore chosen to CC in anyone they deemed important. Simply explaining that you know what’s happened and that in the future, they should always come directly to you and you only will prevent future incidents, or at least assure that they can’t feign ignorance.

2. Don’t get mad, ask why
If it’s obvious that they meant to cut you out of the chain of command, instead of simply shouting at them, ask why they did this. More than anything, it’s important to understand why they felt that they couldn’t come to you. Maybe they feel like you wouldn’t understand the issue, or maybe they have concerns about you. In either case, this is an opportunity to explain that you are capable of helping them, and that their perception of you is wrong. Or, maybe it’s a chance to discover something you’re doing wrong and correct it.