How to confront subtle undermining in the workplace

Key takeaways:

Confronting workplace conflict with an open discussion is often an effective solution.

Leaders must learn to make sure everyone’s voice is heard.

AMELIA ISLAND, Fla. — Leaders in the medical field are often subjected to subtle undermining in the workplace, and confronting the problem upfront is often the most effective solution, according to a panel discussion.

At the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium, industry experts tackled leadership issues that are not commonly discussed. Jennifer Smith , director of institutions and external relations at AbbVie Eye Care, said that subtle undermining in the workplace is often akin to “psychological warfare.”

Jennifer Smith, Jennifer Cross, Lisa Praeger , Lisa M. Nijm, MD, JD , Yolande Barnard , Tamara Kamm