HBR Guide to Office Politics (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 5

The Disaffected Boss

The Problem

Your boss has “checked out.” He’s there physically but not in spirit. He doesn’t meet regularly with your group or bother to fill any of you in on the critical decisions that senior management is wrestling with. So you’re often the last ones to hear about big initiatives and changes. He doesn’t fight for resources, raises, or promotions for your team—or seem to care about his people at all. If he’s given up on his career, fine, but he’s essentially giving up on yours, too. He’s practically invisible in the organization, and you’re at a loss for how to get anyone to notice your contributions so that you can advance.

Why It Happens

Some bosses become so consumed with lining up the Next Big Thing on their ...