"Subordinates who threaten your decisions often exert power by banding together in a clique. These are not employees who simply enjoy each other's company and seem to prefer being part of the same cluster. We are not talking about people who like to sit with each other at meetings or who always go to lunch together. Some people simply enjoy the comfort of being in a group. Let them be."
"Those individuals who are of concern, however, are employees who flock together to ruffle your feathers and try to subvert the chain of command. They push for what they want (or what the leader of their clique tells them they want) not based on the merit of the issue, but on the power they perceive they can wield. When they believe they can influence or threaten your decisions by the sheer weight of their numbers, the gang is ganging up on you."
"This group could spell major trouble. They are leaning on me to change my mind, but I'm the one who is held responsible, and I've got to be free to make final decisions. I've got to do something to minimize their influence, but if they sense that I'm trying to break them up, that will only reinforce their resolve. I must talk to their leader, Chris."
Some employees form cliques to exert collective power and influence leader decisions rather than acting on issue merit. Casual groupings that foster camaraderie pose no threat and can support team morale. Dangerous cliques coordinate to subvert the chain of command and push demands based on perceived influence. Leaders bear responsibility for final decisions and must protect decision-making authority without provoking stronger resistance. Maintaining control requires firm role definitions, clear expectations, and boundaries combined with open communication that allows all members to speak. Winning over a clique's ringleader through specific requests and genuine appreciation can neutralize their opposition and restore stability.
Read at Psychology Today
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