14 Signs Your Boss is Positively Toxic

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Toxic bosses or any type of person in a leadership position are like the flu we’ve probably unluckily dealt with once or twice. Research has shown that more than 70% of employees have suffered through a toxic boss at some point. A toxic boss is more than just strict or demanding, they usually also make their employees feel inferior, manipulate them, and ultimately damage the workplace culture.

Sadly, not all leaders inspire and uplift as they should. Instead, some create negativity that turns a good work environment into a stressful, miserable, and anxious place for everyone. How you get along with your boss can impact your career growth, daily happiness, and even how well you get along with others at work and, sometimes, in life.

Recognizing the signs of a toxic boss is helpful when navigating one’s career and maintaining personal well-being. You will recognize toxic bosses by both their actions and words in the workplace. Here are the tell-tale signs that your boss is positively toxic.

1. They Thrive on Micromanagement

Have you had a boss who hovers over your shoulder when trying to complete a task or requires a minute-by-minute report of your progress? That is typical micromanagement, and it’s a hallmark sign of a toxic boss. If your boss obsesses over your work to the extent that you feel you have no freedom or autonomy, it’s a red flag.

This behavior squashes creativity and significantly impacts your confidence and job satisfaction. Micromanagement shows a lack of trust in employees. It also hinders creativity and productivity, causing employees to feel like they are constantly walking on eggshells.

2. Constant Criticism

Criticism, unlike revenge, is best served warm and friendly. Toxic bosses often resort to negative criticism, constantly criticizing their employees’ work without offering constructive feedback. They may also belittle their employees, making them feel incompetent and worthless.

This constant criticism can cause low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in one’s abilities. Employees may start to doubt themselves and feel unmotivated, leading to a decline in job performance. A good boss should offer constructive feedback and support to help employees improve, not constantly tear them down.

3. Lack of Communication

Communication is a crucial aspect of any workplace, and a toxic boss often lacks transparency and fails to communicate effectively with their team. A boss who withholds important information or makes decisions without consulting their employees is toxic.

This leads to confusion among employees, who may feel left in the dark and unimportant. It can cause misunderstandings and mistakes, which could be avoided with better communication. A good boss communicates openly with their team, ensuring everyone is on the same page and feels valued.

4. They Show Favoritism

A toxic boss often plays favorites, showing preferential treatment to certain employees. They will make others feel left out on purpose to give those they like a headstart. This will most likely cause resentment and division among team members.

A good boss treats all employees fairly without favoritism or bias towards certain individuals. They recognize the strengths and contributions of each team member and provide equal growth opportunities.

5. They Have Double Standards

Have you met a boss who requires everyone to be in the office at a certain time, only for them to stroll in when they feel like it? A toxic boss often holds their employees to a different standard than themselves. They may expect their team to work long hours and complete tasks quickly, but they themselves constantly take time off or fail to meet deadlines.

Such behavior may even make employees defiant when they know the boss doesn’t do as he says. A good boss leads by example and holds themselves accountable for the same standards they set for their team.

6. They Lack Empathy

The office isn’t a place where people hang their personal lives at the door when they get in; some of life’s problems follow us there. A toxic boss will display no empathy towards their employees’ struggles or personal issues. They might ignore their employees’ worries or feelings or even demand they don’t show their heartaches.

This can lead to a negative and unsupportive work environment where employees feel unheard and unvalued. A good boss recognizes that the employees are humans with personal lives outside of work.

7. They Bully Others

Some bullies left middle school and became bosses. A toxic boss may engage in bullying behavior towards their employees, both verbally and emotionally. They may use verbal abuse, intimidation tactics, or even threats to get what they want from their team.

This type of behavior can cause immense stress and anxiety for employees. A leader at work should lead respectfully and treat their team with dignity. Having a title isn’t a right to behave like a slave driver.

8. They Steal Credit

You come up with all the ideas and make a mind-blowing presentation, only for James, the operation manager, to take all the credit. A bad boss might claim your efforts and successes as their own, causing you to feel discouraged and unmotivated.

This behavior can diminish your enthusiasm for taking on new projects or initiatives. A good boss gives credit where it’s due and recognizes their team’s contributions. They understand the importance of uplifting and acknowledging their employees’ efforts.

9. They Overwork Employees

Regularly insisting employees work long hours, skip breaks, or take work home without concern for their work-life balance is a sign of a toxic boss. They may not care about their team’s well-being and prioritize their own goals above everything else.

Overworking employees can lead to burnout, fatigue, and an unhealthy work-life balance. A good boss respects their employees’ time and emphasizes the importance of balancing work and personal life for everyone on the team.

10. They Lack Appreciation

The employees are getting paid to do the job, but a simple “thank you, well done” makes a huge difference in their morale. A toxic boss often fails to acknowledge their employees’ hard work or offer any appreciation for their efforts. They don’t recognize accomplishments and milestones, leaving employees feeling undervalued and demotivated.

This can lead to a lack of job satisfaction and even cause talented employees to seek opportunities elsewhere. A good boss recognizes the importance of regularly expressing gratitude and appreciation to their team.

11. They Like Gaslighting Employees

Have you been manipulated into questioning your own reality or judgment? This is called gaslighting, and it’s a form of emotional and psychological abuse. A toxic boss may use gaslighting tactics to avoid accountability or make employees feel incompetent or crazy.

A boss who denies facts, blames others for their mistakes, and makes employees doubt their perceptions is most likely toxic. A quality leader owns their decisions and engages transparently with their team. They prioritize trust and honesty in the office and foster a nurturing work environment.

12. They Resort to Public Humiliation

If an employee makes a mistake, the humane way to handle it is to call them privately and admonish or find out what happened. Criticizing or berating employees in front of their colleagues is humiliating. A good boss will seek solutions to issues and maintain an employee’s dignity while at it.

Public humiliation can destroy an individual’s confidence and create a workplace culture of fear and silence. A good boss values their employees’ reputation and ensures that mistakes are handled respectfully and professionally.

13. They’re Unapproachable

Do your juniors scuffle when they see you coming, or do they greet you with a smile? Is your office open for them freely, or do they see it as Miss. Trunchbull’s choker? A toxic leadership style is indicated by employees feeling unable to approach their boss with questions, concerns, or ideas for fear of criticism or dismissal.

An unapproachable boss creates an environment where problems go unsolved and innovation is stifled. A good boss fosters an open-door policy where employees feel comfortable approaching them with any issues or suggestions.

14. Lack of Professional Development Support

A toxic boss not only overlooks the immediate needs of their employees but also neglects their long-term career growth and professional development. They may withhold opportunities for training, fail to provide mentorship, or keep their team members stuck in the same roles for years without the chance for advancement.

Being stagnant is demoralizing and detrimental to one’s professional trajectory. A good boss acts as a champion for their employees and encourages continuous learning. They provide their team with the necessary resources and support to develop new skills and progress in their careers.

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