TRAPPED UNDER A TYRANT? NAVIGATING A TOXIC MANAGER

Thursday Leadership Brief

Most people have had their share of challenging colleagues, but sometimes, one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch. When that apple happens to be one's manager, it can create a toxic work environment that impacts one's well-being and productivity. According to Hypertime (2023), "A leader is considered toxic if they are ineffective, create unhappiness, stress, and burnout, causing emotional damage to their employees. Some managers cannot complete basic managerial tasks and responsibilities – others thrive on control, belittling people, or abuse of power."

Spotting the Signs:

Toxic managers come in various forms, but they often share some common traits:

Micromanagers: They hover over your shoulder, constantly doubting your abilities and stifling your creativity.

Yellers and Screamers: They resort to public humiliation and intimidation tactics, creating a stressful and hostile environment.

Gaslighters: They manipulate facts, deny their negative behaviour, and ultimately, make you question your perception and end up doubting oneself.

Credit Stealers: They claim your accomplishments as their own, leaving you feeling undervalued and unrecognized.

Impact of a Toxic Manager:

Working under such a manager can take a toll on your:

Mental health: This leads to anxiety, stress, and even depression.

Motivation: Stifling your enthusiasm and initiative, hindering your growth.

Confidence: Their constant negativity and criticism can chip away at your self-esteem.

Performance: The negative environment can ultimately impact your productivity and quality of work.

Navigating the Minefield:

If you find yourself in this situation, here are some options to consider:

Document everything: Keep a record of their inappropriate behaviour with dates, times, and witnesses.

Talk to HR: While Human Resources may not guarantee a solution, they can offer guidance and potentially mediate the situation.

Seek support: Talk to trusted colleagues, friends, or family members for emotional support and an outside perspective.

Focus on what you can control: While you can't change your manager's behavior, you can control how you respond. Prioritize your well-being, maintain professional boundaries, and focus on delivering quality work.

Engage the manager: Sometimes the perpetrator may not be aware of how he/she is impacting you and without being given feedback, may boast about their tough management style. Tell him/her how their style impacts you. In doing this remember the discussion may go even further south. Be prepared for such an eventuality.

Prepare for an exit: If the situation becomes unbearable or shows no signs of improvement, consider exploring new opportunities. Remember, your mental health and career journey are paramount. There is some truth to the saying "People don't leave organizations, they leave their bosses,"

"Schedule a free consultation with us to discuss how to create a more positive work environment for your team."

2. Support & Resources:

"Share your story: Have you worked under a toxic manager? Share your experience in the comments below and connect with others who have gone through similar situations."

"Learn more: Explore our Thursday Leadership Brief blog for additional resources on various leadership styles, communication tools, and conflict resolution strategies."

"Seek professional help: If you are working under a toxic manager, consider talking to HR or a trusted advisor."

3. Proactive Approach:

"Enroll in our Authentic Leadership Model course: Learn how to build strong relationships, motivate your team, and foster a positive work environment."

"Follow us on social media: Join our community of professionals committed to creating healthier, more productive workplaces."

Brian Maphosa is a senior HR Practitioner and Executive Leadership Coach certified by the world's two leading coaching giants, Marshall Goldsmith and Global Coach Group. He is also GLA360 certified and can work with leaders from anyway globally. Brian is the founder and Managing Consultant for Human Performance Solutions. He is an international faculty for the Haggai Institute Singapore and Hawaii where he regularly trains leaders from Africa, Latin America, Asia, the Middle East and India. #executives #leadershipdevelopment #growth

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