Feeling Ambivalent About Your Boss Hurts Your Performance Even More Than Disliking Them

I’m currently in the process of completing my doctoral degree. My research is in the area of manager and employee relationships.

Here is a quick summary of a great Harvard Business Review article I think you will enjoy.

When it comes to relationships with leaders, it’s clear that a good relationship boosts motivation and performance.

But what about mixed feelings?

Recent research reveals that ambivalence towards your boss can be more damaging than outright dislike.

Ambivalent relationships—marked by both positive and negative feelings—can lead to lower job performance.

This is because such relationships create cognitive inconsistency, leading to stress and anxiety at work.

To combat this, leaders should:

1. Understand Relationship Perceptions: Leaders need to recognize how employees truly feel about their relationship.

2. Foster Positivity: Focus on positive interactions and address negative instances clearly.

3. Encourage Team Support: Promote a supportive team environment to help employees manage ambivalence.

In summary, mixed feelings towards leaders can significantly impact job performance.

By addressing and improving these relationships, leaders can help their teams thrive.

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