Two bosses despise each other, creating performative, cringeworthy meetings that waste attendees' time and embarrass staff. Both leaders focus on criticizing the other department and pitching ideas for the other's work instead of tending to their own responsibilities. Higher-ups are aware but have not resolved the rivalry. Practical strategies include removing the audience by changing meeting formats, holding virtual sessions, reducing attendees, or bypassing leaders by coordinating directly with peers. Offering an efficiency-focused alternative can undercut bosses' desire to perform. Volunteering to coordinate interdepartmental tasks can ensure necessary collaboration without perpetuating the grudge match.
My problem is that my boss and our sister department's boss despise each other (they're both condescending know-it-alls, albeit with different approaches, so it's a match made in Hades). The issue is that there are things I need from the other department to do my job at all, so occasionally we all get together and the two bosses make all of us sit through an absolute nightmare meeting full of the most cringeworthy behavior. It's embarrassing for everyone, but it also feels so unnecessary.
My condolences on having to endure these ridiculous primate dominance displays. I suspect both bosses are acting out in these meetings because they enjoy performing for their audience. Anything you can do to take away their stage might help. Do these meetings need to be in person? Virtual grudge matches are no fun, either, but at least you can multitask while they shake their fists at each other.
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