How to Rise Above Workplace Adversity (Even When You’re Not in Charge)

Let’s face it, workplace adversity doesn’t only affect the leaders. You don’t need to be a CEO or senior manager to feel the pressure of poor leadership, toxic culture, or miscommunication that drags down morale. Sometimes, you’re the one on the ground, doing the work, trying to keep your team afloat while the people “in charge” are making decisions that don’t seem to make any sense.

So how do you rise above it all, especially when you're not the one calling the shots?

As someone who spent 27 years in the military and now works with high-performance teams across engineering, leadership, and male-dominated industries, I’ve seen adversity from all angles. And here’s my lesson learned:

You don’t need a title to lead. You need courage.

Leadership Without the Title

Even as a “follower” in an organization, you have more power than you realize. Leadership isn’t about job titles or corner offices. It’s about how you show up when things get hard.

I’ve worked under leaders I didn’t always agree with. Heck, I’ll admit it: I’ve got a bit of a problem with authority. But that never stopped me from stepping up. I always believed in protecting and empowering the people under my care, even when I wasn’t the one making the decisions. I saw myself as an umbrella, shielding my team from unnecessary stress and chaos so they could do their best work.

That’s what real leadership looks like. It’s how you act, not what your email signature says. It’s choosing integrity over ego. It’s having your team’s back when the pressure is high. And sometimes, it means rising above the noise and doing the right thing, even when no one else will.

What to Do When You Don’t Trust the Decision-Makers

Sometimes, you're following someone who seems out of touch. Maybe decisions are made behind closed doors, and you’re left executing orders that feel pointless—or worse, harmful.

Here’s the first thing I recommend: have a conversation.

Ask your leader why things are happening the way they are. There’s often more context than you’re aware of. In the military, we had to go along with decisions we didn’t always agree with. That’s the nature of the mission. But in any workplace, context matters. If you’re left in the dark, it’s hard to stay motivated.

The Real Cause of Most Workplace Adversity

Want to know the root of most workplace adversity? Lack of communication.

If a leader doesn’t explain why something is happening, people will fill in the blanks. Rumors spread. Assumptions multiply. Trust erodes. Before long, people are frustrated, demoralized, or just plain pissed off.

And here’s the kicker: it’s preventable.

Whether you're the one making the decisions or just trying to survive them, clear, direct communication is your best ally. Ask questions. Offer clarity to others. Don’t feed the rumor mill—starve it.

Watch Out for Ladder-Climbers and Passive Aggressives

Adversity also shows up in the form of difficult people. We all know them.

• The ladder-climbers who throw others under the bus to look good.

• The passive-aggressive coworkers who make backhanded comments, avoid confrontation, and quietly poison team culture.

If you're a leader, your job is to address this directly—not let it fester.

And if you’re not in charge? Keep your integrity. Be the steady force that others can trust. Refuse to play the game. Lead by example.

How to Rise Above When You’re in the Middle of the Storm

Here’s what I want you to remember:

• You can lead without a title.

• You can create clarity even when others don’t.

• You can protect the culture around you, even if you're not the one setting it.

Workplace adversity is real, but you don’t have to let it define your experience.

Whether you're dealing with poor communication, toxic ambition, or passive-aggressive behavior, the best thing you can do is stay grounded, speak clearly, and lead with integrity.

Because you already have what it takes to be a leader. (Even if you’re not in charge).

Want to bring this message to your team? Put a date on hold for your next event!