When subordinates go over your head. The manipulative employee.

When an employee goes over the manager's head to the manager's superior, a high degree of anxiety is often created for all three persons involved. The manager's ability carefully to assess the situation, to evaluate the dynamics present, and to respond deliberatively will be crucial to his or her effectiveness in handling the situation. Managers can view managing the manipulative employee as both a challenge and an opportunity. The manager who is able to respond effectively to the complex, interpersonal phenomenon of manipulation will gain not only self-confidence but the respect of colleagues.