Toxic Boss? DO THIS!

Years ago I worked for one of my worst bosses - we'll call him Brad.

BUT... I'm super grateful I did. Keep reading.

Brad was one of the most dramatic bosses I ever had.

The one who took credit for my biggest career victory.

Brad was an incredible mix of chic and total s***!?

One minute complaining and spouting negativity...

The next minute completely overreacting to a minor nuisance in a meeting before turning the conversation on its head - sometimes positively.?A trickster.

He was an outright narcissist and micro-manager. As a 'control freak,' he wouldn't allow anyone to 'get the job done' without interference.

Brad, and bosses like him, barrel into your office with hostility.

They're completely lacking in self-awareness.

When your manager exhibits negative behavioral traits it can significantly impede your ability to perform your job effectively and without interference.

Here's why:

1. Constant complaining and negativity create a demotivating and unproductive work environment, leading to decreased morale and job satisfaction for you.
2. Judgmental and hostile attitudes breed fear, resentment, and a lack of trust, making it difficult for you to communicate openly or take risks.
3. Reactive and explosive behaviors lead to toxic and unpredictable work environments, where you feel constantly on edge and unable to focus.
4. Introducing unnecessary difficulties and micromanaging undermines your autonomy, decision-making abilities, and professional growth.
5. Narcissistic tendencies result in the manager prioritizing their interests over yours, leading to poor decisions and a lack of consideration for your needs.
6. Drama and hostile behavior foster interpersonal conflicts, disrupt teamwork, and divert attention from important tasks and goals.

These traits create a stressful and counterproductive work environment for you, hindering your ability to perform at your best and contribute effectively to the organization's success.

And then everything changed:

This is how I turned everything around with Brad…

While it's true that a manager exhibiting negative traits can create significant challenges, ultimately, it falls on you to take responsibility for your mindset and actions.?

Blaming the boss or expecting perfection from them is counterproductive and disempowering.?

To overcome the difficulties of working for a difficult manager, focus on what you can control – your skills, value creation, and attitude.

To begin, continuously developing relevant skills and knowledge to increase your value and confidence, so you are less reliant on your manager's guidance or approval.?

In addition, when you consistently deliver high-quality work and contribute tangible value to the organization, you can earn respect and autonomy, reducing the need for micromanagement.

Furthermore, a shift in attitude is crucial.?

Instead of dwelling on the manager's flaws, cultivate resilience, emotional intelligence, and a problem-solving mindset.?

Learn to manage your reactions, communicate effectively, and find constructive solutions rather than engaging in unproductive conflicts or negativity.

By taking ownership of your professional growth, performance, and mindset, you’ll regain a sense of control and empowerment, even in challenging situations.

While a difficult manager may never change, your ability to adapt, grow, and maintain a positive outlook can mitigate the impact and pave the way for your personal and professional success.