There are numerous factors that go into how a person evaluates their current job. Tremendous focus is placed on pay and benefits, as most people can agree that those are important aspects, because why else would you work if you are not receiving money and/or insurance. The actual work that you are doing in the role is also important. A lot of attention (probably too much) is placed on workplace perks (snacks, social programs, etc.). When employee surveys are done, however, regarding what is the most important aspect of job satisfaction, the answer has not changed in decades as the supervisor is number one.
For those who have lived with a terrible supervisor, you know first-hand how impossible it is to have a good work situation. For those who have yet to experience the “toxic” boss (and I hope you don’t ever have to), it probably does not take too much imagination to create a nightmarish situation in your mind. An awful boss is always bad, but I think, as you gain experience and have a history reporting to strong leaders, you have less tolerance for one that is just not good enough.
There are so many negative characteristics associated with a bad boss to fully list. It used to be that a “toxic” boss was a yeller or a harasser. Although those situations certainly exist, a bad supervisor tends to demotivate and demoralize their employees in a less obvious behavior. In today’s world, a “toxic” boss can take many forms:
• Be a person who blames you for everything (or takes credit for everything good).
• Have multiple personalities and you never know which one you have in a given moment.
• Does not spend time coaching and mentoring you in your professional development. Either because they don’t want to spend the time, or they fear you developing and moving on to another job.
• Uses e-mail to lecture you, or (even worse) calls you out in public.
• Leaves you voice mail and e-mail at all hours and expects you to respond.
• Does not communicate and keeps you in the dark on items critical to your job or satisfaction.
If you have a “toxic” boss, it is very tempting to resign regardless of whether you have another position lined up. This is understandable, since it is so difficult to get up in the morning and drag yourself to work in this situation. As tempting as this scenario is, it is in your best interest to have another job before you quit. Not only does it allow you to continue to have income coming in, but you can also avoid having to dwell in an interview regarding why you left your last position.
Similarly, it is very tempting, once you do resign, to make it a very emotional and passionate announcement. My recommendation is to take the high road (realizing how satisfying a “take this job and shove it” moment would be) and follow normal resignation protocol by giving notice and staying positive. The primary reason is that usually bad bosses are addressed eventually, and an opportunity may surface later that you are interested in. Don’t burn any bridges for short-term satisfaction, either when resigning or during an exit interview.
When you do interview during your job search, don’t dwell on how bad your supervisor is/was at your last job. You never want your interview to become too negative, as it is difficult to reverse the mood once you move in that direction. You also run the risk of the Hiring Manager becoming concerned that perhaps the issue was not with your previous boss, but rather with you. They may conclude that you are too sensitive and that perhaps you will be dissatisfied with a new supervisor also.
Life is too short to deal every workday with a “toxic” boss. It is important, however, to take a strategic and not an emotional approach to the issue. Rely on your family and friends to provide an ear to help you get through this tough spot in your career. Rather than getting too down on yourself, take this energy and channel it towards finding a new position. When searching for your new position, spend extra time and energy making sure that your new boss aligns with what you are looking for in a supervisor.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
