Part One of this topic addressed codependency in everyday relationships. From behaviors akin to being human glue and flexibility that rivals the stretch of a rubber band, codependency, or “relationship addiction” is an unhealthy path.

You might think that codependency only occurs in personal relationships. In fact, unhealthy dependency can be just as prevalent in the workplace. It occurs between coworkers and between bosses and coworkers. There are ways to recognize and overcome this pattern of behavior to maintain a healthy work culture, and to say goodbye to the behavioral traps of human glue and rubber bands.

A dominant codependent boss often is a perfectionist. In pursuing the perfect everything, this boss micromanages his/her staff, takes on everything and does not delegate, and creates a culture of anxiety by making staff feel like they also must be perfect. Change and errors are not tolerated well. This boss does not trust many people, including himself. Submissive codependent leaders are not decisive, have trouble exerting authority and, like dominant codependent bosses, often put their emotional needs ahead of the best interest of the business.

These bosses struggle to build and maintain healthy relationships both at home and at the office. In “Codependent Leaders,” written by Anne Dranitsaris, PhD and Heather Hilliard, codependent relationships occur when “a dominant personality forms a relationship with someone who will be submissive in the relationship.” ^[i] The two people work as one, thereby somewhat completing each other. This lack of balance, comfort, and trust makes establishing healthy and lasting relationships very difficult. Not to mention the difficulty of retaining quality employees.

Codependent employees are often some of the hardest-working and dependable in a company. These employees over-function because they feel responsible for making sure everything gets completed, even if they are not managers.^[ii]

Much like in codependent personal relationships, the codependent makes their needs a lower priority to work goals. This prioritization is an attempt to be seen as invaluable, accepted or loved. In the codependent’s view, this sense of “over” responsibility also applies to everyone around them. When other employees do not react or work in the same way, the codependent becomes resentful, angry and may lash out. Some codependents are afraid to try something new or initiate a task because of the fear of imperfection and the possibility of displeasing others. To other coworkers, this can look like the employee is not willing to take responsibility or make decisions. This type of person can become very hard to work with and is often not a fan-favorite of bosses and fellow employees. Also, just like in personal relationships, codependency in the workplace can be overcome. Counseling, time and patience are key components in managing codependent tendencies.

^[i] https://www.slideshare.net/annedran/are-you-a-codependent-leader-article

^[ii] https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/workplace-co-dependents/