A dysfunctional team dynamic: the Unhappy Number 2.

· Bits and Bobs 7/21/25
  • A dysfunctional team dynamic: the Unhappy Number 2.
    • This can happen if the subordinate doesn't view their superior as legitimate.
      • For example, the subordinate thinks the superior has formal but not informal authority.
    • The subordinate goes along with whatever the superior says, but they don't believe in it.
    • They are incentivized to do malicious compliance–just enough to make it clear they're complying, but in ways that will blow up later, proving the superior is wrong.
    • This is fundamentally a dysfunctional dynamic.
    • The only answer is often for the number 2 to go somewhere where they can be number 1, or where they can work for a number 1 they believe in.