Experiencing a cruel manager? If you've found yourself in the ranks of such organizations, you'd likely identify with the trials of having a terrible superior.

Experiencing a cruel manager? If you've found yourself in the ranks of such organizations, you'd likely identify with the trials of having a terrible superior.

In a revealing survey conducted by Kickresume, it has been found that an alarming 85% of professionals have worked for a horrible boss at some point in their careers. This article delves into the 15 distinct types of such bosses, categorised based on toxic behaviours and traits that employees commonly experience.

The Spectrum of Horrible Bosses

The survey highlights several problematic boss behaviours, which can be grouped into the following 15 types:

1. Unfair Treaters/Favoritism Bosses: Show clear favouritism and treat employees unfairly (53% cited).
2. Disrespectful/Rude Bosses: Consistently disrespect or are rude to employees (51%).
3. Micromanagers: Overly controlling and do not allow autonomy (50%).
4. Emotionally Unstable Bosses: Show volatile or unstable emotional behaviour, more common in female bosses (49%).
5. Narcissistic Bosses: Highly self-centred and manipulative; thrive on attention and control.
6. Insecure Bosses: Display insecurity that affects how they manage others.
7. Boundary Crossers: Engage in inappropriate behaviour, including sexual misconduct (more common in male bosses).
8. Pressuring Bosses: Force or pressure employees to work overtime or on weekends (more common in male bosses).
9. Favoritism-Prone Female Bosses: More frequently reported to show favouritism and unfair treatment compared to males.
10. Rude Male Bosses: Male bosses reported to have rude or crossing serious boundaries more often.
11. Volatile Bosses: Prone to angry outbursts or mood swings.
12. Inflexible Bosses: Unwilling to accommodate or listen to employee needs.
13. Manipulative Bosses: Use tactics like guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or playing mind games.
14. Disengaged Bosses: Show lack of interest or investment in employee well-being.
15. Unethical Bosses: Engage in or tolerate unethical workplace behaviour.

While some of these overlap or are variations on common themes (e.g., narcissism and manipulation), the survey emphasises unfair treatment, disrespect, micromanagement, emotional instability, and boundary violations as the core toxic traits.

The Impact on Professionals

The survey findings reveal that the most common problem reported by workers dealing with a horrible boss is constant stress and unpredictability (38%). Forty-eight percent of professionals dread going to work due to their boss, and 35% of professionals start second-guessing themselves due to their boss.

In addition, the survey found that 94% of professionals claim their boss negatively impacts their work-life balance, and 70% of respondents considered leaving their job due to their boss's behaviour. However, only 5% of professionals reported their horrible boss to HR, suggesting a fear of retaliation or punishment.

At work, respondents said they felt they always had to look busy (18%). Nine percent of workers reported that the line between work life and personal life is completely blurred due to their boss.

Conclusion

The Kickresume survey sheds light on the diverse spectrum of 15 types of horrible bosses primarily defined by their unfair, disrespectful, and emotionally harmful behaviours in the workplace, with nuanced differences by gender and behavioural patterns. Understanding these types can help employees identify and address toxic bosses, ultimately fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.

[1] Kickresume Survey on Horrible Bosses: https://www.kickresume.com/blog/horrible-bosses [3] Forbes article on the Kickresume Survey: https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinemccoy/2021/08/11/the-15-types-of-horrible-bosses-and-how-they-impact-your-work-life-balance/?sh=33328e1572d8

1. The survey conducted by Kickresume revealed that an overwhelming number of professionals (94%) claim their boss negatively affects their work-life balance.
2. The survey findings suggest that constant stress and unpredictability (38%) are the most common problems reported by professionals dealing with a horrible boss.
3. Forty-eight percent of professionals dread going to work due to their boss, and 35% of professionals start second-guessing themselves due to their boss's behavior.
4. Understanding the 15 distinct types of horrible bosses, categorised based on toxic behaviors and traits, can help employees identify and address toxic bosses, ultimately fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.
5. Leadership styles that neglect mental health, such as emotional instability (49%) and boundary violations (more common in male bosses), can have severe consequences on a professional's well-being and career progression.
6. A healthy workplace culture, focusing on wellness, psychology, and mental health, can potentially help mitigate the negative effects of a horrible boss on employees' relationships, finance, careers, and overall lifestyle within the business community.

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