How to spot (and deal with) a toxic boss

Do you have a toxic boss? Find out how to spot one – and how to deal with them.

There are different types of toxic bosses. You’ve got the overbearing tyrant, the buddy-boss who tries to be everyone’s best friend, and the micromanager who thinks checking in every 10-minutes is the best way to keep you motivated. And then you have the out-and-out narcissist.

These characters are easy to spot. In fact, they’re impossible to miss, and we’ve all experienced working under one at some point. But not all forms of toxic behaviour are so obvious. Moreover, the subtle kind of toxicity often does the most damage. It attacks our self-esteem and forces us to ask really uncomfortable questions, like “is this all my fault? And why am I never good enough?” 

So how can you tell the difference between a bad boss and one who gets off from making your professional life as difficult as possible? Resume.io decided to investigate. The online resume maker used the latest research in business management and leadership skills to create a handy guide on how to spot and deal with a toxic boss.

There’s a question tree to help you figure out whether you’re working with a toxic person, as well as a breakdown of the different personality types that make a bad boss. Most importantly, it shows how to deal with terrible managers on their own terms, giving you the tools and techniques to make sure your voice is heard and you always get the credit you deserve. 

And if it turns out your boss isn’t actually toxic, the guide outlines a few things you can do to get your working relationships back on the right track. 

Photo by Adeboro Odunlami