By Luciena Grant
It would be great if we all worked for managers who value our efforts, fairly pay us, show us respect, and support our success. It is both reasonable and acceptable to have such expectations. However, that is not the case the majority of time. There are many factors that can impact an employee’s negative work experience; some of the factors can be controlled whereas others, not so much. With that said, what are we to do about this? Let’s talk about it!
Professionally I can’t think of anything worse than working for a horrible boss. Consider yourself fortunate if you cannot relate, but for those of you who can, you understand. Working for poor leadership is one the most compelling reasons to make you want to leave your job. It is the absolute worse. A bad job can make you hate your entire life.
Check out this funny SNL clip of Will Ferrell comically making like this topic. Hope you enjoy!
Traits of a Bad Leader
Communicates Poorly – lack of communication and poor communication
Behaves Unprofessionally – does not conduct themselves in a professional, businesslike manner
Lacks Transparency – deliberately hides, misleads, and/or withholds information pertaining to your job.
Is Disinterested in Building Manager-Employee Relationship – does not make you feel valued, supported, or respected.
Does not Acknowledge Hard Work or Key Contributors – fails to acknowledge your hard work or contribution.
Disrespects Employees – criticizes you in front of others; yells, uses profanity or degradation.
Hostile Work Environments
It is not acceptable to have to work in an environment where people are constantly at each other's throats. Working in a hostile environment is unhealthy, stressful, distracting, and counterproductive. There are some work environments that are unique to being intense however, it is not ok to be expected to work in a hostile work environment.
Examples of a Hostile Work Environment
1. Disgruntled, Unruly, Hostile Co-Workers - disruptive behaviors that interferes with a person’s ability to do their job. Employees that constantly bicker and complain
2. Frequent Observance of Inappropriate Misconduct – sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination
When to Quit Your Job?
I do not recommend anyone leaving their job without first securing another job. This is basic common sense; however, I do understand and respect that some work situations are more extreme than others.
Before Quitting, Ask Yourself...
1. Am I being mistreated?
2. Am I doing anything to contribute to the problem?
3. Am I fairly compensated?
4. Are there opportunities for growth?
5. Do I feel valued?
6. Can I achieve work-life balance with this job?
7. Do I hate going to work? Everyday? Mostly?
8. Is there any way to work through the issues?
9. Does my values align with the company's?
10. Do I feel like my ethics are being compromised?
11. Is this job negatively affecting my health?
12. How frequent am I overwhelmed? Stressed? Frustrated? Angry?
What is Quiet Quitting?
Quiet quitting is when an employee does the minimum work necessary to keep their job. This work concept rejects the notion that employees must perform above and beyond the duties outlined in their job description.
Things to Consider Before Accepting a New Job
If you're leaving a job under duress you might not be thinking clearly. This is understandable, especially with the stress of having to find a new job looming over your head. Depending on the circumstances of your resignation, you may set your intentions on just getting hired. I strongly encourage you not to make this mistake. Instead, be informed about the new company you want to work for. You want to be confident that this new job is a better fit for you. Here are some things to consider before accepting a new job offer.
What do you know about the company's reputation?
Are there opportunities for you to grow?
Are you comfortable with the company's work culture?
Has the company undergone or foresees undergoing any major changes?
What operating systems do they use? Are you familiar?
Will this job fulfill your long-term work goals?
What are some of the company's biggest challenges?
What is your first impression of your new boss? How well did he/she communicate? Do they seem knowledgeable? Respectful? Polite?
Do they offer flexible work hours?
Do they have an a Performance Evaluation system in place?
Do they offer Pay for Performance Incentives? Merit increases? Bonuses?
Check out this great article on 57 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview in 2022
5 Ways to Empower Yourself
There are ways to empower yourself while still working at a job you hate. If there's a will, there's always a way to achieve better for yourself. The first step in getting out of a situation is to know that you can.
1. Take PTO - utilize what available paid leave you have. Take a day here and there to reinvigorate yourself. You can also use your PTO days to apply for new jobs.
2. Update Your Resume – Keeping your resume up to date allows you to be ready for opportunities when they present themselves. It also provides an added boost to your confidence.
3. Quiet Quitting – now that you are educated on the trending work fad, “Quiet Quitting”, consider if this may be an option for you.
4. Search & Apply to Jobs – Get acclimated with the job market and explore internal and external career opportunities. You have a greater potential to be hired if you are already employed. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to find a job especially when working in a hostile work environment where any day could be your last day.
5. Establish Boundaries – establishing boundaries at work let's your peers know what is and what is not acceptable by you. Boundaries also sends the message that there will be repercussions to follow if your boundaries are disregarded. Check out some example of boundaries you can set for yourself in the workplace.
Emotional Boundaries – avoid speaking to disgruntled employees, or engaging in emotional conversations while at work. Keep work relationships professional and do not invite co-workers into your personal life. You may also want to refrain from accepting personal invites from co-workers. In general, you want to keep your engagement with leadership and co-workers, strictly professional.
Physical Boundaries – refrain from informal touching; shake hands verses hugging. Take breaks by yourself. Avoid locations where employees congregate.
Research & Studies
Check out this Research conducted by ddiworld.com. 57% of Employees reported quitting their jobs because of their boss.
"Our research proved the old trope that “people leave managers, not companies… A full 57 percent of people have left a job specifically because of their manager. Furthermore, 14 percent of people have had to leave multiple jobs because of management. Another third of people (32 percent) haven’t yet quit because of their boss, but have seriously considered it.”
Check out a survey conducted at GoodHire, on the poor relationship between managers and employees. Check out some of the Key Findings directly below:
Only 39% of American workers said their manager is open and honest about promotion opportunities.
Only 44% of American workers said their manager is open and honest during salary and compensation conversations.
American workers are most annoyed by managers who micromanage and managers who ask employees to work outside of working hours.
American workers most desire a manager who is honest and authentic.
Commit daily to caring for and loving yourself, no matter what. We here at The Let’s Talk Tribe are rooting for your continued success.
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Always With Love,
The Let's Talk Tribe Team
#Letstalkaboutit
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