Signs You Have A Toxic Boss

Saw this book in Borders this weekend.

My definition of a toxic boss has always been one who is so bad as to endanger/damage your career.

There are some bosses who can only hurt you, and you’re better off getting out from under them rather than “dealing” with them.

What are signs of a toxic boss? Off the top of my head (add your own in the comments):

You’re afraid to do your job well because your boss will take credit for anything good you do and it will just end up making him look better.
Dilbert and The Office aren’t that funny to you. You could tell way worse stories.
Your boss isn’t qualified to be in the position that they’re in… but that simple fact only serves to make her more confident and obnoxious in her certainty that she’s brilliant.
Boss has a clear set of favorites and isn’t afraid to openly favor them.
Your boss isn’t afraid to enlist you/make you complicit in efforts to belittle/stab his boss in the back in order to advance his own career.

Your boss does not have the courage to make decisions.
The only language your boss speaks in is criticism.
Thinks the only way to instill loyalty is through fear.
Has a suspicion that “everything is running smoothly” really means everyone must be slacking off.
Your boss has proven to be dishonest. Worse, he expects you to overlook/cover for his dishonesty.
Intimidates. Bullies. Treats lesser employees as lesser people.
Fails to communicate and then holds others responsible for miscommunications.
Your boss is far more willing to give credence and recognition to brown-nosers.
Your boss is an inveterate micro-manager. Expects you to do your job, but never feels you’re likely to do the job well enough, so always looks over your shoulder telling you how it should be done.
Your boss is unwilling to “get her hands dirty.” Always expects results, but never willing to get down in the trenches and help make those results happen.

I’m sure you guys can come up with a million more…

Tags: Office Politcs

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