How should leaders respond when a colleague continually inserts themselves into work that isn’t theirs?
That’s the question explored in a recent Harvard Business Review article, “When your colleague keeps meddling in your work,” which features insights from Lindy Greer, faculty director of the Sanger Leadership Center and Michigan Ross professor.
Throughout the article, Greer shares research-backed perspectives on power, conflict, and decision rights to help leaders understand why workplace overreach happens—and how to respond effectively. Rather than assuming negative intent, she encourages leaders to clarify ownership, understand the motivations behind the behavior, and create structures that support productive collaboration.
Among Greer’s recommendations are keeping decision-making teams small, clearly defining ownership, and empowering the people closest to the work to make decisions.