10 Feb Have A Toxic Boss? You Are Not Alone
Why Getting Coaching or Therapy for a Toxic Boss at Work is Important and What it Can Do for You
I am writing this article to help all those who have experienced a toxic boss. And beside me, there are many of you!
According to McKinsey, 56% of workers in the United States claim that their boss is mildly or highly toxic, while 75% say that their boss is the most stressful part of their workday.
According to a Harvard Business School study, it was discovered that toxic bosses resulted in the following:
- 48% intentionally decreased their work effort and intentionally spent less time at work
- 78% said their commitment to their organization declined
- 25% of employees were taking their frustrations out on clients and customers
- 66% said their performance declined
Another study found that 57% of employees quit because of a bad boss.
Why Is It Important To Deal With Having A Toxic Boss
Working with a toxic boss can be an incredibly difficult situation to find yourself in, and it can take a toll on both your mental and emotional health. There are several different types of toxicity that a toxic boss may engage in. These behaviors include bullying, harassment, micromanagement, favoritism and spreading negativity. All of these behaviors can have a serious and detrimental impact on employees, leading to feelings of stress, anxiety, increased conflict, and low morale.
It is important to identify the signs of a toxic boss as soon as possible and take steps to protect yourself from their damaging behavior. This includes understanding the different types of toxicity, learning how to cope with difficult situations, and seeking support from colleagues or HR when necessary. Doing these things can help to minimize the effects of a toxic boss and ensure that you are not putting yourself in an unsafe or unhealthy environment.
What is a Toxic Boss?
A toxic boss is a manager who engages in behavior that is harmful to their employees. This can include bullying, harassment, and micromanagement, as well as spreading negativity and creating a hostile work environment. Working for a toxic boss can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and burnout, and can negatively impact your job performance and overall well-being.
What does a toxic boss do in the workplace?
A toxic boss either consciously or unconsciously engages in the following behavior:
Bullying: A toxic boss who engages in bullying behavior may engage in persistent and abusive behavior towards their employees, such as shouting, criticizing, and intimidating them. This type of behavior can lead to a hostile work environment and have a negative impact on employees’ mental and emotional well-being.
Harassment: Harassment at work can take many forms, including sexual harassment, racial harassment, and religious harassment. A toxic boss who engages in harassment may make unwanted advances or comments, or create a hostile work environment for employees based on their protected characteristics.
Micromanagement: A toxic boss who is a micromanager may excessively control and monitor their employees’ work, frequently checking in and dictating how tasks should be completed. This type of behavior can lead to feelings of inadequacy and a lack of autonomy among employees.
Micromanagement by a boss can have several negative effects on workers:
- Increased burnout and stress: Employees of a boss who micromanages feel the constant pressure of being monitored. This can be stressful for workers and leads to an increase in stress levels and the risk of burnout.
- Decreased autonomy and creativity: Micromanaging bosses stifle creativity and limit their workers’ ability to use their own judgment and make decisions. This can lead to a sense of powerlessness and frustration, as workers feel like their contributions are not valued and their opinions are not heard.
- Decreased trust: Micromanagement can lead to a decrease in trust between the boss and workers. Workers typically feel like their boss does not trust them to do their jobs correctly. This, in turn, leads to a decline in trust and confidence in the boss and the company as a whole.
- Decreased motivation: When workers are constantly monitored and told what to do, they may feel like their efforts are not appreciated and their contributions are not valued. This can lead to a decrease in job satisfaction and a corresponding loss of motivation at work.
- Decreased innovation: When workers are not allowed to or fear taking risks or trying new things, the organization will miss out on new ideas and opportunities for growth and innovation.
Spreading negativity: A toxic boss may spread negativity by consistently complaining, gossiping, or speaking negatively about others. This type of behavior can have a devastating effect on employee morale, normalizes a toxic culture, and contributes to a hostile work environment.
Favoritism: Favoritism by a boss can have a negative impact on workers in the workplace. It can cause the following:
- Decreased Morale: When a boss shows favoritism, it can lead to resentment among workers who feel that they are being treated unfairly. This can lead to decreased morale, motivation and a decrease in job satisfaction.
- Decrease in Trust: Favoritism can also lead to decreased trust in the boss and the company as a whole. Workers will question the fairness and impartiality of their employer, leading to a decrease in trust and confidence.
- Decreased Collaboration: When favoritism is present, workers may become less likely to collaborate with one another. Instead, they may feel that they have to compete for the boss’s attention and approval. This can lead to less teamwork and a decrease in overall productivity.
- Increase in Turnover: Workers who feel that they are being treated unfairly may choose to leave the company, leading to increased turnover and the need for constant recruitment and training of new employees.
Creating a hostile work environment: A toxic boss may engage in behaviors that make the workplace a hostile and uncomfortable place for employees, such as bullying, harassment, spreading negativity, and micromanagement. This type of behavior leads to increased stress and decreased job satisfaction among employees.
Working with a toxic boss can be an extremely difficult experience. It can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even depression. It can also have a negative impact on workplace morale and productivity.
The effects of a toxic boss can be far-reaching and long-lasting. It is important to recognize the signs of a toxic boss early on and take steps to protect yourself from their damaging behavior. This includes understanding the different types of toxicity, identifying warning signs, learning how to cope with difficult situations, and seeking support from colleagues, HR, or a coach, when needed.
Why is Coaching or Therapy for a Toxic Boss Important?
Coaching or Therapy can help you deal with a toxic boss by providing you with the tools and support you need to manage your stress and maintain your well-being at work. A professional coach or therapist can help you identify the causes of your stress, such as a toxic boss, and develop strategies for addressing them. They can also teach you effective stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and time management, that can help you reduce your stress levels and regain your energy.
What Can Coaching or Therapy Do for You?
Coaching can do many things for you, including:
Help you identify the causes of your stress: A coach or therapist can help you identify the underlying causes of your stress, such as a toxic boss, and develop strategies for addressing them.
Teach you stress management techniques: Coaching or therapy can teach you effective stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and time management, that can help you reduce your stress levels and regain your energy.
Provide you with support and encouragement: A coach or therapist can provide you with support and encouragement as you work to deal with a toxic boss. They can help you stay motivated and on track, even when things get tough.
Help you communicate effectively with your boss: By working with a coach or therapist you can develop effective communication strategies that can help you communicate more effectively with your toxic boss. This can help you maintain your boundaries and reduce your stress levels.
Increase your job satisfaction: By dealing with a toxic boss and reducing your stress levels, coaching can help you increase your job satisfaction and improve your overall well-being.
Coaching Or Therapy For A Toxic Boss Gives Hope And Support For Better Times At Work
Working for a toxic boss can be a nightmare, but with the help of a professional coach or therapist, you can learn how to manage your stress, get support to deal with a toxic boss, and maintain your well-being at work. If you are struggling with a toxic boss, consider reaching out today. With their help, you can overcome this difficult time and get back to enjoying your work.
Schedule A Free Coaching Consultation
Schedule A Free Therapy Consultation (Massachusetts Residents Only)
References:
https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2018/07/11/understanding-costs-incivility-workplace/