TOXIC BOSS SYNDROME
Do you get body aches and a headache on Sunday night? Do you startle easily between 9 – 5 on weekdays? Do you dread going to work? Are you always on edge in the office? Do you feel anxious, intimidated, and humiliated at work? Chances are, you are suffering from Toxic Boss Syndrome.
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Bullying at work is not a new phenomenon. A majority of workers say they know that bullying exists in their workspace. Some may have witnessed it or been subject to it, and in most cases, the supervisor or boss is the culprit. But understanding why bosses bully is not always easy. Some in the supervisory role use underhanded tactics such as fear, humiliation, and intimidation to achieve specific reactions or outcomes from their subordinates.
Unfortunately, bullying is often effective in the short term, but it also leads to a toxic work environment and damages both the company and the workers in the long run. Let's be clear, it is wrong to bully, and no situation can justify that sort of treatment. If you find yourself in one of these situations, here are some ways you can navigate the situation.
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DO YOUR WORK, SHOW YOUR WORK, IGNORE
Toxic bosses often employ emotional manipulation as a way to control their employees. They make their feelings your feelings and expect you to manage and respond to how they feel. But your boss's emotions are not in your job description. Take the time to read your job description and perform those tasks to the best of your ability. Make sure you keep track of your progress through specific projects or tasks you are working on so you can explain it clearly and concisely when necessary. Ignore any emotional outbursts meant to get your attention or reaction, and keep all communication with your toxic boss professional, clear, and to the point.
SET LIMITS
Unfortunately, on top of being manipulative, toxic bosses can extend their reach beyond work hours. It is not uncommon for such bosses to expect you to respond to work emails or phone calls on your days off from work or long after the workday is over. Unless it is an emergency in the true sense of the word, make sure you set clear limits and boundaries regarding your time, work communications, and the like.
TELL SOMEONE, MAKE THAT REPORT
Most of us have to work, and sometimes we stay in harmful environments due to a lack of options. Unfortunately, bullies are often aware that finding a new job is often hard or complicated, and they use this knowledge to their advantage.
Bullying affects your ability to perform your duties well, and it also affects you mentally, physically, and emotionally. It is easy to think you have to endure bullying or brush it off. However, it is important to reach out to others about what you have experienced at work. Finally, make sure you report the bullying behavior to your supervisor, the HR department, or management, who have the power and ability to investigate the situation and take necessary action to make the workplace a safe and healthy environment.
