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CHAPTER 5 • LEADERSHIP 57

may lose belief in his or her abilities and

become overly dependent.

Such behavior patterns can test a supervi-

sor’s authority and self-confidence. These

behaviors are best dealt with by setting firm

limits, providing encouragement, confirming

mutual roles and responsibilities with cheer-

ful chats and e-mails, and calmly holding

ground in the face of mild to moderate esca-

lation to test the supervisor’s resolve. Once it

is clear that standards and consequences are

firm and applied with fairness, the problem

may be minimized. However, if the level of

escalation progresses to an uncomfortable

level, it may be appropriate to seek advice

and support as discussed below.

Identifying Possible Mental

Instability

Signs of mental instability can include

inexplicable mood swings, irrational state-

ments, extreme cycles of productivity, unex-

plained absences, depression, and violent or

abusive behavior. These signs are an order of

magnitude beyond normal acute disappoint-

ment expressed over an intractable experi-

ment or a grant application that is not fund-

ed. The person may fail to follow laboratory

standards for cooperation or safety. They

may display an insensitive or overtly cruel

attitude toward others or toward laboratory

animals. They may initiate episodes of inter-

personal friction in the laboratory and may

alienate or frighten co-workers. Their state-

ments may seem inconsistent, and they may

react defensively when asked for clarifica-

tion. Obsessive behavior toward other indi-

viduals, such as following someone home,

can be another important symptom. In many

cases, symptoms increase gradually over

time until they reach an intolerable level.

However, sometimes stressful workplace or

personal events can trigger a crisis.

When encouragement, limits on behavior,

and standards of performance do not bring

improvements, it may be time to enlist some-

one with professional training and experi-

ence. Most educational institutions and com-

panies have Employee Assistance Programs,

which are confidential and professional

sources of help for employees and students.

An EAP is equipped to deal with problems

directly or to make appropriate referrals for

mental health issues, family problems, or

drug and alcohol abuse. If the obvious

options have been exhausted and the best

course of action is unclear, consider confer-

ring with EAP personnel about your percep-

tions and about developing strategies for

dealing with the situation.

Recognizing Violence

Violence includes pounding on walls,

throwing items to the floor, angry damage to

equipment, as well as physical threats toward

co-workers or supervisors. Threats of vio-

lence are especially serious if they appear to

Signs of mental instability can

include inexplicable mood

swings, irrational statements,

extreme cycles of productivity,

unexplained absences, depression,

and violent or abusive behavior.

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR CELL BIOLOGY

Sometimes behavior patterns

can reflect a coping style

designed, perhaps unconsciously,

to keep others off balance, or to

elicit special treatment.