It doesn’t come as a full-on attack. It slips in as a side comment, a smirk, a well-placed correction in front of the team. One moment you’re leading, the next someone is chipping away at your authority where everyone can see it. Undermining is more than disagreement—it’s a strategy. It’s meant to erode trust in you without ever saying your name directly. And the longer it goes unchecked, the more the room starts to wonder if maybe they’re right. Suddenly, your credibility isn’t steady ground—it’s quicksand. Here’s the real danger: every subtle jab plants doubt. Not just in your team’s minds, but in your own. Before long, you’re second-guessing yourself, over-explaining, or trying to “prove” your authority instead of leading from it. That’s how undermining wins—it pulls you off balance while the other person looks bold for “speaking up.” In this episode, I’ll show you exactly how to shut it down without looking thin-skinned or defensive. You’ll learn how to expose the behavior for what it is, reassert your authority in the moment, and make it clear that your leadership isn’t up for debate. Because leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict. It’s about cutting off the sabotage that chips away at your credibility.
Free Gift Alert: Ready to take your skills to the next level? Head over to
www.yobrenda.com and sign up for my free Impact Scripts class. These three powerful scripts will help you get to the heart and root of issues when dealing with difficult people at work, and in life. Start bringing more wisdom into your interactions today!
Subscribe now and embark on a journey to master the art of people management, one creative solution at a time.
Connect with Brenda:
Website: www.brendaneckvatal.com
YouTube: @brendaneckvatal
TikTok: @brenda.neckvatal
Instagram: @brendaneckvatal
Facebook: @Brenda.Neckvatal
