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Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
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  2. Administrative Assistance
  3. Administrative Management

Your subordinate challenges your authority in front of the team. How do you regain control as a manager?

When a subordinate challenges your authority in front of the team, it's crucial to address the situation promptly and effectively. Here are some strategies to handle this:

  • Stay calm and composed: Reacting emotionally can escalate the situation. Maintain your composure to show leadership.

  • Address the issue privately: Take the subordinate aside to discuss their behavior and understand their perspective.

  • Reassert your role clearly: Remind the team of your leadership position and reinforce expectations respectfully.

How do you handle authority challenges in your team?

Administrative Management Administrative Management

Administrative Management

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Last updated on Feb 19, 2025
  1. All
  2. Administrative Assistance
  3. Administrative Management

Your subordinate challenges your authority in front of the team. How do you regain control as a manager?

When a subordinate challenges your authority in front of the team, it's crucial to address the situation promptly and effectively. Here are some strategies to handle this:

  • Stay calm and composed: Reacting emotionally can escalate the situation. Maintain your composure to show leadership.

  • Address the issue privately: Take the subordinate aside to discuss their behavior and understand their perspective.

  • Reassert your role clearly: Remind the team of your leadership position and reinforce expectations respectfully.

How do you handle authority challenges in your team?

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36 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
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    Ghulam Sarwar Memon

    Experienced Professional Admin/Logisitics/Procurement & Law

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    As I consider this issue, if a subordinate challenges my authority in front of the team, I maintain composure and address the situation professionally to prevent escalation. I acknowledge their concerns briefly but redirect the conversation to focus on the task at hand, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and respect. Later, I have a private discussion with the individual to understand their perspective, clarify expectations, and reaffirm professional boundaries. I use this opportunity to provide constructive feedback while also listening to any valid concerns they may have. By demonstrating confidence, fairness, and strong leadership, I reinforce my authority while maintaining a positive team environment.

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    4
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    Ricardo A. Rodrigues

    CHRO; Business Acumen; Design Thinker; M&A; Top Management; Talent Management.

    • Report contribution

    You need to have an open conversation with your subordinate to understand why he/she is having this agressive approach. If this person is valuable to you and also to the organization, try to put him/her as a "leader"in regards a project that may have.

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    2
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    Joseph Wadie

    CPG Growth & Market Expansion Specialist | Strategy Consultant, Rockland Trading | Ex-MMI, PMI, Nielsen

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    - Avoid reacting emotionally in the moment. - Schedule a private discussion with the employee to address the issue. - Explain why their behavior was unacceptable, outline expectations, and discuss consequences. - Encourage open communication and provide clear instructions to all team members.

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    2
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    Prashant Dash

    Retail & CPG CX Leader | $50M+ Impact in AI/Cloud-Driven Customer Success, Presales, Digital Transformation & Professional Services | Ex-Harman | Fractional CX/Transformation Advisor

    • Report contribution

    I'd deal with this in the following manner 1. Stay calm and composed, because reacting emotionally will weaken my position 2. Acknowledge and respect their view but steer the discussion back to the agenda. 3. Discuss the issue one-on-one to understand their perspective. 4. Reinforce leadership by setting clear expectations on professional conduct in a common gathering / forum. 5. Lead with confidence, because authority is earned through respect, not dominance.

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    2
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    Ben Hirsh

    Moving Services | Installation | IT Services | Warehousing | Project Management | Decommissioning | Sustainability

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    Staying calm and composed is the key to maintaining the situation and preventing any further escalation. Being able to take challenges in stride and professionally reassert authority without clamping down on subordinates is the hallmark of a good leader.

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    2
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    Kimberly Jee

    VP, Operations

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    For me, this would depend on if my "subordinate" is right or not. It would be naive of me to assume that I am always right or/my processes cannot be improved. If they are right, I believe it is important for your team to see you acknowledge that. I may need to make a change to accommodate the new perspective. If they have considered/uncovered something I hadn't thought of, I would even thank them for being brave enough to share with the group. We picked each person on our team for a reason and usually it's because we feel they can make a meaningful impact on our team/business. I focus on receiving the mssg vs being concerned insubordination. My ability to accept challenges and pivot when needed is what makes me successful. (Cont'd below)

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    2
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    Nikhil Parmar

    Building @ Instapitch.io || $1 Bn || Founder @ Impactful Pitch || TEDx Speaker || Fundraising Strategy || Global Impact Strategist || Angel Investor || Mentor || Top Voices AI || IIM Udaipur

    • Report contribution

    I address the situation with calm authority and professionalism to maintain team morale and respect. Instead of reacting emotionally, I acknowledge the subordinate’s perspective while reasserting my leadership role. I steer the conversation back to the agenda, emphasizing collaboration over confrontation. Later, I have a one-on-one discussion to understand their concerns and reinforce professional expectations. By fostering open communication, setting clear boundaries, and leading by example, I ensure control while maintaining a positive, high-performance work environment.

    Like
    1
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    Tushar Bahurupi

    || Business Coach - Black Belt Management || "Certified Investment & Insurance Advisor | Expert in Securities Markets, Wealth Management, and Risk Protection | Guiding Clients Towards Financial Growth and Security"

    • Report contribution

    Regaining control when a subordinate challenges your authority requires professionalism and composure. Stay calm and avoid reacting emotionally. Acknowledge their input briefly but redirect the conversation to maintain focus. Address the issue privately, emphasizing the importance of respect and proper communication. Seek to understand their concerns and clarify any misunderstandings. Reaffirm your leadership role by setting clear expectations on workplace conduct. Encourage open dialogue but establish boundaries to prevent future disruptions. If the behavior persists, outline consequences while reinforcing teamwork and professionalism. Leading with confidence and fairness ensures authority while maintaining a positive work environment.

    Like
    1
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    Olufemi Abraham, Ph.D

    Doctor of Engineering | Data Scientist | Expert in Smart Grid Cybersecurity

    • Report contribution

    From my leadership experience, I remain calm and composed, addressing the issue professionally without escalating the situation in front of the team. Previously, I used active listening, allowing the subordinate to express their viewpoint before redirecting the conversation to maintain team focus. An effective strategy is acknowledging valid points publicly while deferring further discussion to a private setting to avoid undermining leadership. I schedule a one-on-one meeting to understand the root cause of the challenge and reaffirm roles, responsibilities, and team expectations. I re-establish authority by setting clear communication norms and fostering an environment where feedback is welcomed but respect for leadership remains intact.

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    1
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    Charlie Sutton - CSAM

    Building Companies and Advancing Careers

    • Report contribution

    My first reaction would be asking myself "why does he see it this way." Viewing his challenge as an opportunity and not a threat is very important.

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    1
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