8 Alarming Signs You’re a Bad Boss

Being in charge of others at work comes with a lot of responsibility. Bosses have to juggle their daily duties and make sure their staff is on track, supported, and working effectively. 

A good boss is on top of all these things, but sometimes even the best ones slip up, which can hurt their staff. After all, their direct reports have challenges of their own.

You might be one of those direct reports, or you might be the boss. Not to fear. These habits can be identified and remedied, promoting a workplace where everyone can excel and get ahead financially. Here are eight unmistakable traits of a “bad” boss — and how they can improve.

Attention to detail matters. Sometimes work projects require a boss to be on top of the progress, especially with a looming deadline. But there is such a thing as being too on top of things. 

The needling, bothering manager from Office Space should be a comedic character from a movie, not who bosses model their work style after.

Many employees underperform if they’re anxious about a boss constantly breathing down their neck. Good bosses give their reports room to adapt and try new things.

This is the opposite of micromanaging: They don‘t set clear goals and assignments for their staff.

A good boss should be upfront about what work is needed when, and who will do what task. Affording workers clarity and direct tasks will likely help them be their best.

A good manager can create actionable plans that everyone can understand. Not providing enough info can slow down work and leaves staff confused. In a bad scenario, a task could fall through the cracks.

It varies from job to job and the industry involved, but a workplace is often meant to be collaborative.

In a poorly run space, staff might not feel comfortable asking each other questions, offering help, or just getting to know each other.

Employees should feel safe in their work environment, and that safety extends to the ability to communicate — with each other and with their boss. A staff that feels they can freely express themselves may lead to exciting new ideas and more ambition.

Just as a good team talks to each other, their boss should reach out to them as well.

Is a project or task proving difficult or overwhelming? Perhaps they can offer help. A working relationship can be reciprocal.

In many scenarios, employees might not feel okay coming forward with an issue or problem they're struggling with unless offered a chance to do so directly. Bosses should be aware of that and regularly check in with each individual.

Bosses should do all they can for their employees, particularly regarding compensation or benefits.

Money might be tight, but with many people quitting their jobs for higher-paying alternatives, bosses who advocate for their staff to get raises may promote workplace retention and morale. 

Coveted job benefits like raises or bonuses could slide someone into the “great boss” category.

Pro tip: Jobs with less stress are often more desirable. Bosses should consider expanding some benefits to staff for improved workplace health. That could be stress-related therapy, more remote days to boost work/life balance, or even free snacks and lunch.

Work can be stressful, but bosses should not let frustration trickle out to their employees.

A supportive and positive boss can motivate staff by setting a powerful example. An angry, frustrated, or even outright hostile boss can destroy workplace morale and drive staff away to jobs with less stress.

Bosses should consider stress management techniques. Maybe they can offer workplace yoga or meditation so everyone can try to let any grumpiness go.

And if bosses do blow up at an employee, take the time to apologize for it. Everyone appreciates accountability, and it starts at the top.

In many fields, projects are collaborative — and teams deserve credit. But often, one person goes above and beyond or handles a specialized role.

Bosses should acknowledge that person in the office and give them credit when reporting to their superiors. Not being recognized can make employees look elsewhere, either for a side hustle or a different job entirely.

A good boss is also a teacher working to help their employees improve and advance.

As part of checking in with staff, they should listen to their goals, offer to help them learn, and potentially assign them more significant roles in the company.

Taking the time to teach and train current staff on new duties can have lasting benefits for a company. That employee could pass those lessons down to new hires and be a more effective worker in the office.

A good boss can set the tone and energy for an office, leading the way on tasks and ensuring staff feel comfortable and collaborative. 

If you're the boss, earnestly work to improve in the areas you fall short. Your company may even provide resources to boost your managerial skills.

If you're the employee, feel empowered to speak up — if not to your boss, then to someone else who can help change how you're managed. If things don't improve, you may want to find a new way to boost your bank account.