19
Going over Your Supervisor's Head

STRATEGY

Taking a problem to your boss's boss is one of the biggest gambles in office politics. The payoff can be great, but you run the risk of becoming a pariah whose days in the company are numbered. That's why you should take this step only if you believe your future at the company is at stake—because of a negative performance review, say, or because a vital project has been canceled. First, try to get permission for your maneuver. You may get the okay if you frame your request as a search for expert input. Even if your immediate supervisor objects, persevere. Asking to go over their head is as bad as actually doing it so you've nothing more to lose. When you do get upstairs, continue to frame your efforts as a search for advice. Resist the temptation to bad‐mouth your supervisor. If you manage to win the top person over, you'll have gained a valuable ally—one who will most likely be able to protect you from recriminations. If you don't win the top person to your side, start looking for another job.

TACTICS

  • Attitude: Realize there's nothing your immediate supervisor can do to stop you, but you'd still like their permission.
  • Preparation: Have your facts and arguments down cold—your future in the company will depend on your winning your boss's boss over to your side.
  • Timing: While this should be done soon after either a negative review or the cancellation of an important project, your decision must be thought out, not reflexive. Give yourself at least a day or two to think things over.
    Flow diagram depicting a course of action for 19. Going over Your Supervisor's Head with an opening statement, situations, and responses.
    Flow diagram depicting a course of action for 19. Going over Your Supervisor's Head with situations and responses.
  • Behavior: Be forthright and determined. You must convey that you're bucking the system because of your extremely principled position and concern for justice.

ADAPTATIONS

This script can be modified to:

  • Appeal a loan rejection.
  • Correct detrimental or incorrect information your boss has passed along to his boss.

KEY POINTS

  • Frame your jumping the ladder as a search for expert advice.
  • If your immediate supervisor objects, persist.
  • Regardless of your immediate supervisor's conclusion, thank them.
  • If your boss's boss wants to serve as mediator, explain that your immediate supervisor knows of this meeting.
  • If your boss's boss fishes for controversy, stress that your concern is first and foremost for the company.
  • If your boss's boss refuses to overrule a decision, stress you're looking for a potential compromise, not a reversal.