The office sniper is a staff person who "attacks from the weeds." Snipers stay in hiding. They criticize the manager in a passive aggressive way instead of face-to-face.
During a meeting the sniper says (just loud enough to be heard), "Be prepared for another useless edict." Stop the meeting and address the sniper head on. Say, "(Name) has just said that you should be prepared for a useless edict. Can we get consensus on the matter? How many of you think this requirement is useless?" There is a slim chance that the rest of the staff will agree. If they do, revisit the matter. The sniper may have a point. Most of the time, however, there will not be a response. Then pounce: "Well, it looks like you are all alone on this one."
If the remark is really over-the-top or rudely inappropriate, clear the room. Call for a ten-minute break, but tell the sniper to stay. Then, say frankly, "That was an inappropriate comment. It contributes to a breakdown in unit cohesion" or "It violates our values." Then ask: "Is that how you meant it?" This works because the sniper has to hide behind something. Once pulled into the open, the protection is gone and the game is over. The sniper is not strong enough to attack you in the open.
