Are you stuck between a Good Cop and a Bad Cop?

March 17, 8:07 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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You’ll have one direct supervisor at most organizations. But, what do you do when you have more than one—and they are both giving you different direction and feedback?

“I call this situation ‘Good Cop/Bad Cop’ because when you receive conflicting direction, it's inevitable that you will side with one of your bosses,” said Vicky Oliver, author of “Bad Bosses, Crazy Coworkers & Other Office Idiots.”

Oliver recommends the following rules when you find yourself in this situation:

1. You’re all on the same side. The Good Cop and Bad Cop may seem like they're polar opposites, but always remember that they're on the same team. It's your job to prove that you can get along with both Cops.

2. Get on the same page. Avoid taking sides in the tennis match that is their life by politely insisting on having meetings with both of them together in the same room and resolving to stay neutral. It's really hard to argue with a neutral stance. 

3. Understand the psychology. Both Cops know that in order to survive, they need to share the power. They are used to sparring with each other, and may even consider it a game. The second that you have too much vested in one side or the other, you lose out. You may think that you're only disgruntling the Bad Cop, but that's rarely true. Deep down inside both Cops like and respect each other—appearances aside!

4. Be on the good side of both Cops. You get special points for being able to get along with both Cops because most people on staff assume that the two bosses do not get along. As you now know, this is untrue!