Beware of red flags
By Soufiane El Alaoui
BLINDED BY RED FLAGS
You’d be surprised at how many people don’t realize that they’re working with a toxic
manager or in an abusive environment. In fact, they trivialize the emotional distress
caused by their workplace because they believe it’s part of the job, and in the process
they become oblivious to the red flags that could signal a problematic boss.
In fact, many people struggle to recognize the warning signs of a toxic manager, and
the impact on their well-being can be severe (burnout, depression, permanent mood
changes…). Only when they feel drained, frustrated or overwhelmed, do they start
realizing that they may not be working for the right leader.
So this first ebook will help you identify whether you're working with a toxic boss. With
just a few questions, you can gain valuable insights into your work situation and take
the first step towards a healthier work environment. As Anthon St. Maarten once said,
"Toxic leaders are like chemical spills - they spread and contaminate everything and
everyone around them, leaving a trail of damage in their wake." But with the right
tools and resources, you can learn to recognize and cope with toxic management,
and thrive in your professional life.
“Rudeness is a weak imitation of strength
Eric Hoffer
The quiz is straightforward. For each situation described in the course, you want to
indicate:
The frequency of occurrence of the situation on a scale from 1 to 5 (1 = never,
2 = rarely, 3 = sometimes, 4 = often, 5 = very often)
A tangible, real-life example that you’re indeed experiencing said situation to
minimize the bias of your own perception
TOXIC MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS (1/2)
Situation: “My boss… Frequency* Tangible example
…exaggerates his
contribution and minimizes mine”
…is immune to feedback”
…over-delegates everything,
including his own workload”
…makes commitments
on deadlines on my behalf”
…is a micro-manager, he
regularly nitpicks every detail”
…is available to only when I
could be of use to them”
…can’t find a single nice
thing to say about me”
…wants to be seen as doing
better than others”
…constantly changes
targets, deadlines, goals…”
…is disorganized and ineffective:
the job is done over and over again”
…partakes in questionable practices that I’m
required to follow”
…cover up their mistakes and don’t report
bad news to the upper management”
…have a do as I say, not as I
do kind of demeanor”
…create a competitive environment
by enabling favoritism”
*1 = never, 2 = rarely, 3 = sometimes, 4 = often, 5 = very often
TOXIC MANAGEMENT QUESTIONS (2/2)
Situation: “My boss… Frequency* Tangible example
…talk behind my back and
makes disparaging comments”
…yells, threatens, blames,
accuses, demeans, etc.”
…makes promises that are not kept”
Score /85
Your manager isn’t toxic. He barely ever partakes in abusive or
dysfunctional behaviors, is likely to be open to feedback and
creates an environment where you feel safe to work at.
You often experience toxic or abusive tactics. As a result, you may
be regularly stressed and feel under pressure, you feel that some
work processes could be improved, the environment you’re in may
be quite competitive
You’re constantly walking on eggshells and are always stressed. You
feel unsafe in your work environment, pressured, you’re
micromanaged and have no visibility regarding your future in the
company
