A March 2025 article in the IMD site from a clinical/organisational psychologist, Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg, covers perspectives on this complex topic.

Selected notes from the article below:

“What to do when those in positions of authority behave in ways that contradict widely accepted norms of civility, empathy, and ethical leadership.

The only path forward is to engage and maximize your influence by building enough power and clout to respond effectively and understand the psychology of omnipotent leaders.

* Omnipotent leaders see themselves as exempt from the norms of ethical or socially acceptable behavior due to a heightened sense of self-importance and entitlement. The mission (or rather their mission) justifies most, if not all, means to an end. Such leaders often exhibit moral licensing, believing past good deeds justify present transgressions. A tell-tale sign is excessive risk-taking and skirting formalities and rules of procedure.
* Omnipotence can also be understood within the broader framework of leadership overconfidence and hubris. The hubris syndrome is a condition wherein prolonged power and success lead to narcissistic tendencies, overconfidence, and diminished capacity for critical self-reflection.

Three key approaches can be employed while engaging with omnipotent leaders:
* Rather than challenging an omnipotent leader head-on, anchor your ideas as a natural plot in the leader’s vision, define yourself as a main character, and shape the narrative early. Whoever speaks early sets the stage.
* Frame feedback to omnipotent leaders that align or complement their self-image. Validate their leadership before steering the conversation toward constructive insights.
* Speed matters – shape the story before they do. Build rapport by finding even the smallest points of agreement. If escalation is inevitable, don’t go for it alone.

In a world where power dynamics are accelerating and all-powerful leaders set the tempo, the challenge is not simply to resist or comply but to navigate strategically and psychologically. “
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What other approaches have worked for you?

Source: Three ways to deal with the almighty boss; Merete Wedell-Wedellsborg; 14 March 2025; I by IMD
Image Source: TungArt7, Pixabay