When the Superstar Dims Your Star
The stars do shine brightly, but what if one star’s light is too bright for the team?
One chief reason why people consider a career change is because the star of the team runs the ship, and not the company leadership. You see this in sports a lot—the quarterback of the football team (say, the New York Jets’ Aaron Rodgers) thinks he knows more than the head coach (Robert Saleh), they get into shouting matches, and the team owner (Woody Johnson) takes the side of the quarterback.
And the coach walks the plank.
This scenario is common in sports, but sadly is not exclusive to the field or the court. In many professional settings, we see a similar dynamic unfold when a team's star performer begins to "run the ship" rather than those who are the designated leaders.
If you find yourself in a situation where the star of your team is calling the shots, potentially to the detriment of the group's overall performance and morale, you're not alone. This predicament can be one of the primary reasons why many professionals consider a career change.
However, before making any drastic decisions, let’s look at the nuances of this situation and find out what your options are.
When the star takes over, the work environment can become more complex and challenging. This person may have earned their "star" status through exceptional performance, innovative ideas, or charisma.
But, when they start overstepping their role, that’s when bad things can start hitting the fan. What can happen? It can have a terrible effect on the team, which leads to a disrupted team hierarchy, conflicting directions and priorities, and a drop in morale among other team members. The decision-making process starts getting slow and stagnant, leading to talented team members, feeling undervalued, starting to quit.
Recognizing whether you're truly in a situation where a star player is hijacking the team is the first step. You might notice that star player frequently contradicting or overriding management decisions. Team meetings become centered around the star's ideas and preferences, while other team members' contributions consistently getting overshadowed or dismissed. A clear divide may form within the team, with some members feeling like they have to pick sides: either line up with the star, or line up with management.
Maybe the most telling sign is when company leadership seems slow to address the issue, possibly out of fear of losing the star player.
If these workplace signs are jumping out at you, now is the time to consider your options.
How can you start? Let’s begin by looking at the situation objectively. What is the full context—is the star player's influence completely negative, or are there some positive aspects present?
Communication is critical in these situations. If you haven't already, consider discussing your concerns with your supervisor or HR representative. This may be a difficult conversation, but one worth having. They may not be fully aware of the impact on the team, and bringing it to their attention may lead to positive changes.
This particular environment is going to be a difficult one to navigate effectively. And, it's critical for you to maintain your own high performance standards. This is your opportunity to continue your best work. Consistency is going to be your superpower. It will help you stand out, regardless of the team dynamics at play.
This is also a great time to search for growth opportunities. What projects or responsibilities can help you develop new skills and showcase your abilities, even in this challenging environment you find yourself in?
Building alliances with other colleagues can be a powerful strategy, too. Connect with other team members who share your concerns. Building and maintaining a united front can be more effective in addressing the issue and create a more balanced team dynamic.
If your company is big enough, there might be opportunities to move to a different team or department. An internal transfer could give you a fresh start without you needing to leave the company altogether.
It’s not the only option, but it's perfectly ok to start looking elsewhere for work when you feel like the situation is becoming too untenable. You’re not admitting defeat here. Instead, you’re taking a proactive step towards ensuring your career satisfaction and growth. Now is the time to update your resume, network, and explore other opportunities in your field. Your priority is you: make your career growth and job satisfaction work for you.
In spite of all the challenges a too-powerful star player can present to a team, this situation has a lot of valuable learning experiences for you. You'll see different leadership styles at play and what their impacts can be on you and the rest of your team.
These situations call for building resilience and adaptability as you face workplace challenges. And you learn to best navigate complex interpersonal dynamics in a work environment. These skills and experiences are invaluable as you make progress in your career, whether you choose to stay in your current role or decide your current dynamic is too much to bear.
When a star takes over your team, it doesn't have to mean the end of your career in that organization. You can successfully navigate this challenge when you carefully assess the situation, communicate effectively, focus on your performance, and consider your options.
Your career path is yours to shape, and sometimes, the most challenging situations can lead to the most significant growth opportunities. Whether you choose to weather the storm or seek new horizons, the experience will undoubtedly build your professional development and resilience.
I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified health and career coach specializing in helping mid-stage professionals gain clarity on their career journey. I’ve written a guide on how to escape the work hamster wheel.
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