Small power syndrome: see what it is and how to deal with it

• 
  
  
  

The corporate world is full of classic terms and expressions, isn’t it? And one of them is the small power syndrome . The name has been present in conversations about the business world for decades, and despite all the changes in this universe in recent years, many people still exhibit this behavioral trait.

But at the end of the day, what exactly does the expression mean? And how can you deal with people who have small powers syndrome in everyday life? To help you have a lighter routine at work, even with the presence of outdated behaviors, we have put together a guide on the syndrome. Check out the material below.

Little power syndrome: what is it?

You’ve probably had a co-worker who, upon being promoted or growing quickly in their career, adopted a new way of acting. He became more authoritarian, “bossy” and arrogant, believing that everyone around him should follow his orders and do whatever he wanted, in addition to often humiliating colleagues in a general way.

We often say that “power has gone to the head”, even if that power is not that powerful. Either way, the person begins to feel superior to others, which can contribute to a heavy, uncomfortable and uncomfortable organizational environment for everyone around the new “powerful”.

This is a typical picture of the small powers syndrome, which can generate just mild discomfort and discontent, or reach the level of oppression, which is a serious problem in any organization. After all, all employees must be respected and welcomed in the work environment, with typical “bossy” behavior being something that cannot be tolerated.

However, it is not always easy to deal with people who have this trait. Being a colleague of an “all-powerful” person can put a psychological strain on many professionals, who end up being shaken by situations caused in their day-to-day work.

So, to help you better deal with this not-so-pleasant problem, we have selected 5 steps that will guide your process from now on. See them all below.

Dealing with this behavior in 5 steps

1 – Understand that it is not normal to be like this

The first step is to know that it is not normal or acceptable to act in such a way. Regardless of power, in fact, and hierarchies, everyone must be treated with respect, without distinction.

The idea that there are those who command and there are those who obey is still very present in corporate relations, but little by little, with the popularization of horizontal management, the business world understands that it is possible to live in other ways.

Therefore, never normalize aggression from an “almighty” or accept humiliation as a natural part of the job.

2 – Do not “go head to head” with the person responsible for the attitudes

However, this does not mean that the best way to end the problem is to confront the oppressor. After all, being confronted by someone you see as “inferior” can generate even bigger problems, encourage moral harassment and, in extreme cases, lead to dismissals.

However, you can make it clear that you didn’t like a certain situation and behavior, being careful not to harm yourself.

3 – Make the Human Resources department aware of the behavior

In many cases, humiliations can escalate and reach unsustainable situations. Therefore, consider contacting HR if you consider that external involvement can help resolve the problem. In fact, because those affected by the syndrome tend to have generalized behavior, without specific targets, it may be that their report corroborates other complaints within the company.

4 – Work on your emotional intelligence and self-esteem

Inappropriate behavior is that of someone who humiliates, there is no doubt about that. However, it will not always be possible to transform the way the other person decides to act. In these situations, the ideal is to turn to yourself and develop psychological strengthening strategies.

The more emotional intelligence you have, as well as self-esteem and self-confidence, the lower your chances of being affected by small powers syndrome. After all, you will know how to deal with this dynamic by understanding that the problem is not in you, and that you are not inferior to anyone.

5 – Get as far away from the “powerful” person as possible

Finally, try to get as far away from the person as you can. It may not be simple in a work environment, but limiting interactions and setting boundaries are good strategies for reducing the effects of oppression itself.

This option, along with the other topics on the list, will help you have a less stressful work routine and influenced by a feeling of superiority that is bad for everyone. To those who feel superior and to those who experience disrespectful situations.