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The Hidden Dangers of Popular and Overpowered Employees
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The Hidden Dangers of Popular and Overpowered Employees

In The News

Brian Watkins's avatar
Brian Watkins
Jan 17, 2025
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Great Managers
Great Managers
The Hidden Dangers of Popular and Overpowered Employees
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As a manager, fostering a culture of psychological safety within your team is one of the most critical aspects of effective leadership. However, a specific challenge can arise when an employee—due to their popularity, tenure, or unique skills—gains disproportionate power within the organization. This imbalance can have a detrimental impact on team dynamics, employee morale, and the overall health of your workplace culture.

man in blue and white collared shirt wearing green face mask
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash

A great example of this happened at a hospital in the Northwest US, where a doctor was so popular that he was never questioned – and it ended up being a cautionary tale.

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