There comes a point in your career where you begin to rise. You get results. You speak up. You shine. And sometimes, instead of being celebrated by your manager — you’re met with resistance, avoidance, or worse… sabotage.

Let’s call it what it is: your boss might feel threatened by you.

It’s uncomfortable. It’s confusing. It can feel incredibly personal. But it’s not a reflection of your worth — it’s a reflection of their fear.

Over 30 years of leadership experience has taught me this: secure leaders lift people up. Insecure ones push people down. If you’re in the latter scenario, you’re not alone — and here are 10 signs your boss may be threatened by your growth (with tips on how to navigate it).

1. 🎯 They Downplay Your Wins

You’ve just delivered a game-changing outcome, nailed a presentation, or led a difficult project to success — and your boss either glosses over it or credits “the team” without acknowledging your role.

💡 Why? Some bosses fear giving you too much recognition will make others notice your rising star.

💬 What to do: Keep records of your wins. Quietly advocate for yourself through impact reporting and ensure others see your value.

2. 🚪 You’re Excluded from Key Conversations

Meetings happen without you. Projects move forward and you find out last. You’re kept out of decision-making.

💡 Why? A threatened boss may gatekeep influence or information to maintain control.

💬 What to do: Ask directly and professionally to be included. Document gaps in communication and look for cross-functional allies who do include you.

3. 👀 Micromanagement Increases

Suddenly, everything needs to go through them. You’re questioned on every step, every choice, every decision.

💡 Why? It’s often a control mechanism. If they can’t compete with your competence, they’ll try to box it in.

💬 What to do: Set clear boundaries. Gently remind them of past results and ask for space to deliver.

4. 🤐 They Avoid Giving You Feedback

They stop offering growth guidance, dodge performance chats, or give vague responses when you ask for direction.

💡 Why? They may be unsure how to coach someone they perceive as more competent or driven than they are.

💬 What to do: Ask for feedback in writing. Reframe it as a leadership development opportunity for you — and watch their reaction.

5. ✋ They Take Credit for Your Work

You pitch an idea, and next thing you know, it’s their voice presenting it — without your name mentioned.

💡 Why? A threatened boss might feel their relevance is slipping, so they latch onto others’ success.

💬 What to do: Politely and confidently reclaim credit when appropriate. Keep detailed records. Loop in other stakeholders when possible.

6. 💔 Public Undermining or Dismissal

You get shut down in meetings, corrected harshly, or your suggestions are ignored until someone else repeats them.

💡 Why? Insecure leaders deflect attention away from those who challenge their authority.

💬 What to do: Stay calm and focused. Don’t retaliate. Let your work speak louder. Keep receipts.

7. 🧊 A Sudden Cold Shift in Behaviour

A boss who once championed you becomes distant, passive-aggressive, or indifferent. You’re walking on eggshells.

💡 Why? They may perceive your evolution as a threat to the power dynamic.

💬 What to do: Remain consistent, professional, and kind. But don’t dim your light to make them more comfortable.

8. ⛔ They Block Growth Opportunities

You’re overlooked for promotions, high-impact projects, or stretch roles — often with vague excuses.

💡 Why? Some leaders fear losing “top talent” because it reveals their own limitations.

💬 What to do: Seek out advocates in other parts of the business. Apply for roles anyway. Ask directly and transparently what is holding you back.

9. 🌀 Backchanneling & Gossip Begins

You hear whispers. You’re misrepresented. The narrative around you becomes muddied, even hostile.

💡 Why? A threatened boss might try to control how others perceive you — before your success changes the story.

💬 What to do: Rise above it. Do not engage in gossip. Let your integrity and work speak for itself. Build alliances with those who value truth.

10. 🧠 Your Growth Makes Them Uncomfortable

You’re evolving. They’re not. You’re stretching into new territory — and they’re shrinking back into fear.

💡 Why? Insecurity. Jealousy. Fear of being “left behind” or replaced.

💬 What to do: Keep growing anyway. You are not responsible for their comfort — only your integrity.

Final Thoughts:

This isn’t easy. Being in a workplace where your leadership is seen as a threat instead of a gift can wear down even the most confident person.

But I want you to remember something I’ve told hundreds of leaders:

Don’t shrink to fit into a small leader’s comfort zone. Expand into your potential. You’re not too much — you’re just too powerful for small minds.

It may mean moving teams. It may mean documenting everything. It may mean finding a new leader or even becoming your own.

Whatever it is — don’t let fear-based leadership make you question your worth.

You were never meant to be hidden.

🔹 About LeadershipHQ

At LeadershipHQ, we don’t just teach leadership — we redefine it.

We’re here for the courageous. The authentic. The leaders who want to shake up the status quo and make a real impact. Because leadership isn’t a title — it’s how you show up. It’s the conversations you have, the values you live, and the courage you bring to the table every day.

In a world that’s changing fast — with disruption, uncertainty, and complexity around every corner — we believe human leadership is the edge. That’s why we develop brave, emotionally intelligent, and future-ready leaders through coaching, keynotes, programs, and community.

We work with CEOs, emerging leaders, executives, and organisations who are ready to grow not just their performance, but their people.

Because when leaders rise, everyone rises.