This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Podcast Series, co-hosted with Julianna Yau Yorgan. It is available here on The Uncommon Career Podcast and The Daring to Succeed Podcast.

Office Politics: Navigating Your Relationship With the Boss’s Boss

Having a strong relationship with senior leadership can be a double-edged sword. While it may open doors for career growth, it can also create tension with your immediate boss and lead to office politics that require careful navigation.

In this discussion, Julianna Yau Yorgan and I unpack the complexities of managing workplace dynamics when you’re close to the boss’s boss.

They share strategies for maintaining trust, setting boundaries, and ensuring that your career growth doesn’t come at the expense of relationships with colleagues and managers.

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Understanding the Power Dynamics

When you have a direct line to senior leadership, it changes the power dynamic in your workplace. It can create tension, spark insecurity in your immediate boss, and even lead to misinterpretations of favoritism.

To navigate this effectively:

• Assess your workplace culture – Is your organization hierarchical or flat? Some companies encourage cross-level interactions, while others are more rigid.
• Acknowledge the impact on your direct boss – Even if your relationship with senior leadership is purely professional, your boss may feel overshadowed or sidelined.
• Be aware of perception – How you interact with leadership publicly and privately matters. Overexposure to senior management could raise questions about fairness.

Setting Boundaries to Maintain Trust

Building relationships at work is essential, but it’s important to set boundaries so your immediate boss and colleagues feel respected.

• Be mindful of public interactions – Avoid overly frequent or overly casual interactions with senior leaders in front of others. Keeping a level of professionalism in public settings helps maintain balance.
• Limit unnecessary reliance on senior leaders – Don’t bypass your direct boss unless absolutely necessary. Show that you respect their role and authority.
• Maintain transparency – If you have regular contact with senior leadership, communicate openly with your direct manager about your role in those interactions to prevent misunderstandings.

Managing Your Relationship With Your Boss

If your boss starts acting differently or seems uneasy, it may be a sign they feel insecure about your access to their superior. Here’s how to address it:

• Observe their behavior – Signs like micromanagement, avoidance, or passive-aggressive remarks could indicate discomfort.
• Initiate an open conversation – If possible, discuss any concerns directly with your boss. Reassure them that you are committed to their leadership and success.
• Find ways to reinforce their role – Acknowledge their expertise in meetings and seek their input on decisions to reinforce their authority.

Balancing Favoritism Concerns

Having a strong connection with the boss’s boss can sometimes lead to favoritism concerns, whether real or perceived. To avoid issues:

• Stay objective in decision-making – If you’re seen as getting preferential treatment, it can cause resentment among colleagues. Make an effort to be fair and balanced.
• Ensure professional conduct at all times – Avoid discussing confidential or strategic matters outside appropriate channels.
• Build strong relationships across all levels – Foster connections with peers and direct managers, not just senior leadership.

What to Do If Issues Escalate

Despite your best efforts, tensions can still arise. If your boss starts blocking your career growth or becoming hostile:

• Document interactions – Keep track of any signs of favoritism accusations or unfair treatment.
• Seek mentorship outside of leadership – Having trusted advisors can provide guidance on handling difficult situations.
• Know when to escalate – If your career progression is being actively blocked, consider a diplomatic conversation with HR or another senior leader to seek solutions.

Having a connection with senior leadership is an asset—but only if you navigate it wisely.

By maintaining professionalism, reinforcing trust with your direct boss, and being mindful of office dynamics, you can leverage your relationships for growth while keeping workplace harmony intact.

Your career is in your hands—manage your relationships strategically and let your work speak for itself!

P.S. Follow me on LinkedIn for more highly-practical guidance.