Territorial behaviour in simple term is the character or attitude people exhibit in workplaces that shows them marking territory over work space, equipment, ideas or job functions.
Territorial behaviour is not peculiar to Nigeria alone but it’s a global issue that has significant impact on the individual, team or the organisation as a whole.
Bringing it home Nigerian workers can be territorial by gender, job status, level of education, task undertaken among others.
Many factors could be responsible for an employee exhibiting territorial behaviour. Issues ranging from low self esteem, lack of exposure, inadequate training and capacity building, lack of trust among others.
Employees gets unnecessary aggressive when they lay claim to what they believe belongs to them or should be. This do not only deny their organisation benefit for growth, but also make the environment toxic.
Territorial behaviour make succession plan in workplaces almost impossible especially when the the employee blocks all avenue to make subordinate learn from them. They also are most unwilling to mentor anyone or share experience.
Territorials have capacity to shake an organisation to its foundation and cause a breach in any team building efforts.
Territorial behaviour can be exhibited either by the Bosses or the employee and one is tempted to ask, if you are confronted as a superior or employee what will you do? How will you manage someone with territorial behaviour?
Dealing with a Territorial Employee: Most important thing is to pay attention to their attitude especially when t affects team work, work relationship and interaction with colleagues. There are instances such an employee is just being defensive which is understandable and can be managed but where it cannot be managed, best solution nis to take out such employee before more damage is done.
Dealing with a Territorial Boss
Identify what makes him territorial, Is it your own attitude or how you relate to your boss? Consider your own role. …
Talk about it you may be responsible, Keep your communication lines open to your Boss, Carry your Boss along in all you do at work, be humble, reassure him/her.
Always make your Boss look good all the time in your workplace and you will earn his loyalty and confidence.
When all of these fail, leave, find another job.