Does your Boss talk like this? 3 examples of Bad Leadership - and how to fix it!

"Have you ever felt like your boss is speaking a different language? They may be a bad boss or leader!" Let’s look at three challenging bad boss stereotypes, how to spot them and what you can do about it.

You deserve to be working in a harmonious environment. It may be easier to fix your environment than finding another job. But, before you act on any of these ideas, it is vitally important that you ONE customize your approach based on your unique situation and TWO trust your instincts!

Tony Moore

Before stepping into his role as the head of Marketing at Timpl, Tony spent over 20 years as a headhunter and corporate talent acquisition expert. His career focused on finding and developing top talent across different industries, offering valuable insights into negotiation strategies and market trends that empower professionals to advance their careers effectively.

Alright let’s get started.

“The Micromanager”

What is a micromanager? A micromanager is someone who is too involved in every detail of your work."

Negative Impact: It can erode one’s self-confidence, is annoying as hell, kills creativity and shows a lack of trust – leaving you no opportunity for career growth.

Here’s a clue that you are being micromanaged:

Excessive Check-Ins Constantly checking in on an employee’s progress, often multiple times a day. “Keep me posted every hour” OR they post “Status Check” on SLACK instant messenger.

Lack of Delegation they try to do everything themselves.

"I’ll handle that task myself….OR “Just give that to me, I’ll finish it…”

Interfering with Routine Work – tasks that should be handled independently by the team are monitored

"Before you send that, l need to review it” OR they ask “What’s your email inbox workflow, are you using filters.”

Understanding what negative character traits or issues a micromanager is dealing with can help you manage up and possible help them improve.

How to deal with a micromanager?

Here are some suggestions to improve your working relationship with a micromanager by “managing up”

1. Start communicating.

Set expectations and clear goals before the work starts. When micromanaging begins, ask “have our goals changed? We are on track to complete this assignment. The team has everything under control. Would you like me to notify you as soon as we are done?”

2. Build trust

Build trust by hitting deadlines and proving that you and the team have the work under control. Make note of it the next time he or she keeps asking for updates.

My final piece of advice. Heart speaks to heart. If you approach your boss with empathy and patience, you can reach them. They may not be immediately, so be patient.

The “Non-Communicator”

This type of bad leadership is often vague and avoids providing clear instructions, leaving employees uncertain about their expectations and tasks.

Negative Impact: this approach might work with a team or person that has a routine in place. But people like some structure, goals, timelines and deadlines. You could waste time and energy if you go down the wrong path. Not having a clear path forward, how can you exceed expectations and get a raise or bonus? It leads to confusion and mistakes and worse case – overtime!

Here is a clue that you might be working with a non-communicator:

You might hear phrases like "Just get it done" or “Figure it out yourself" or “you know what to do”

Here are some suggestions to help create structure and better communication.

1. Ask follow up questions

If you are given an assignment with no instructions, use your common sense to ask follow-up questions to get those basic expectations in place. Show your boss you like to use the SMART goal format. 

2. Ask if you can check in

If you need help starting a complicated task, ask your boss if you can check in to make sure you are handling it properly.

3. Ask if you are on the right track

Take a step and ask if you are on the right track. Show your logic.

What negative character traits might be holding back your boss from communicating?

Here are some suggestions to improve your working environment with a non-communicator.

1. Schedule regular meetings

• Schedule regular meetings for updates, feedback, and information at a time that works for you both
• Clarify expectations, write down all the details, and email them your understanding.

2. Document agreements

• Address communication gaps by discussing preferred styles for each of you
• Rely on team dynamics to discover what worked for them
• If all else fails, seek help from HR or an internal mentor

“The unapproachable leader”

This kind of boss is distant, often an intimidating figure putting off a vibe that is difficult to approach for feedback or seek guidance and express concerns.

The negative impact on the team is stress, low morale, anxiety, poor problem-solving skills, and poor conflict resolution resulting in high turnover.

You might be working for someone like this if there is a closed-door policy, limited feedback is mostly critical, one-way communication, lack of empathy, unclear expectations, and lack of recognition.

You might hear them say “I’m too busy” or “Let’s keep this brief” or “I don’t care how you do it, just get it done.”

Some negative character traits are:

Here are some suggestions to improve your work environment with a bad boss like this one:

• Adjust your communication style -be brief, direct and to the point
• Get clarification on what is expected
• Defend your positions and ideas, professionally. Don’t allow yourself to get runover.
• Be proactive to limit future interactions
• Seek guidance from teammates
• Talk to HR and layout a plan to get more cooperation and feedback from the manager
• Work on an internal transfer
• Know when to leave

Watch full video here: 3 Bad Boss examples and How to handle them

If you often find yourself thinking 'I hate my boss,' it's time to make a change. You deserve a workplace that brings out the best in you. If you’re dealing with one of these types of bosses, take time to reflect and consider the situation carefully. Try seeing things from their perspective to assess it objectively. Know your worth—it will guide you in deciding whether things can be improved or if it’s time to move on. And if you’re ready to move on, let’s find your next thriving opportunity with Timpl.

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