Let’s set the scene. You have just started a remote position and managed to avoid making common mistakes at a new job.
How do you know if it’s worth your while so stay on? One is to observe how your direct supervisor is acting because it can save you from wasting time and effort that could get you further elsewhere.
So, what are some red flags to look out for that indicate you have a toxic boss?
Red Flag #1: Hides Important Information
A toxic boss will either conceal or omit critical information from you or the team.
How does this affect you?
When your boss withholds crucial information, your and your team’s performance could suffer – and guess who’ll be blamed for that?
Conversely, bosses who overshare—in the sense of inflating the truth—can be toxic too.
They might promise a new project or a salary increase by the end of the year – without actually delivering.
When these things happen, you might want to consider other options.
Red Flag #2: Has No Respect for Your Time
There are only twenty-four hours a day, but not all of them have to be spent working.
You deserve to have a life outside of your job too. Yet, a toxic boss always seems to forget about or disregard this.
They might either assign you a task at the very last minute, causing you to work overtime. It could also be that you and the team have set a meeting but your boss is fifteen (maybe even thirty!) minutes late.
Or worst, they might even try to contact you outside your working hours.
This blatant disrespect for time will only result in missed deadlines and an ever-growing pile of work – along with dissatisfaction at your job.
Remember, your most valuable asset is your time and good bosses should treat it accordingly.
Red Flag #3: Plays Favorites
Let’s face it, we won’t always get along with everyone at work.
It could be that our personalities won’t click, which is fine. We should always maintain a modicum of civility with our colleagues.
Still, you might end up befriending and forming a closer bond with some of your coworkers.
Managers and supervisors are no different since they’re also human. However, when you have a toxic boss, their favorites become glaringly obvious.
As a consequence, you might miss out on opportunities like spearheading an important project or perhaps, even a raise because your boss will prioritize someone else regardless of merit.
Red Flag #4: Takes Credit for Your Work
As the saying goes, the whole should be greater than the sum of its parts. Thus, a team performs best when everyone knows they are contributing towards a common goal.
Yet, some people like to grab credit for an accomplishment they may have little to do with.
And yes, sadly, they can include your toxic boss.
Managers who act like this usually want to make themselves look better in front of the whole company, even at a subordinate’s expense.
Good bosses give credit where credit is due.
Red Flag #5: Overloads You With Work Under the Guise of An “Opportunity”
At work, you would want to do an excellent job. You might even offer help to your colleagues if you’ve got the bandwidth for it.
However, when your boss is toxic, they tend to dump more on your plate than you can handle.
Of course, they will cleverly disguise this as a “chance” for you to grow, earn experience, etc.
Always remember that this strategy only works when you have either completed your previous tasks or when you’ve actually requested bigger responsibilities.
Otherwise, it’s just exploitative.
Red Flag #6: Ignores Feedback
There’s always room for improvement.
But not for your toxic boss.
Even when you give constructive feedback in a polite way, they might take offense or completely ignore it. This can affect the team dynamic and sour the working relationship.
A good manager will always hear you out and address any issues to ensure dynamics at work.
Red Flag #7: A Tendency to Micromanage
Lastly, and perhaps the biggest red flag of a toxic boss is they micromanage.
According to Forbes, micromanagement is a result of fear. Many toxic bosses worry about losing control over their employees. It can also mean a lack of trust in the outcome or performance of their team, considering they are putting their good name on the line.
If you feel like you are being micromanaged, slowly build their trust in you through proactive communication and anticipating their needs. But if your boss’s behavior doesn’t change after putting in your best efforts, then it could mean other issues from their end.
How to Deal With a Toxic Boss
Working for a “bad boss” is always draining. They probably even compound the stress you already feel from your workload.
Still, before handing in your notice, try to see if your toxic boss is an isolated case and see if you can transfer to a different department or team under better leadership. You might also want to look at the bigger picture—what are other benefits to staying in your position?
But when all else fails, choose your peace of mind and go where you’ll be more appreciated.
On that note, if you want the privacy and solitude of working from home, then try shifting to a remote career. Remote Staff has a regularly updated list of open jobs, where you might find something that suits you.
Remote Staff has also been in the staffing industry for over 15 years. Part of the company’s recruitment process is matching you with the right client to ensure a smooth working relationship overall.
Does having a boss that supports you sound appealing? Register with us and start your journey towards a healthy and fulfilling remote job today!
