As I continue to research, write, and speak about toxic bosses, I’m noticing how many people have been reaching out and thanking me for addressing this issue. Just so we’re on the same page with what a toxic boss is, they can be at any level of the management, and are defined as narcissistic, authoritarian, self-promoting, abusive, and unpredictable (Schmidt, 2008)¹. According to our latest research, they are further characterized by ongoing covert or overt behaviours that harm employees’ engagement, productivity, and well-being.
Covert behaviours are those that are more “behind the scenes”, subtle or manipulative, whereas overt behaviours are visible and obvious to others, like aggression, disrespectful language, or outward bullying.
The plague of toxic bosses is more widespread than I could have imagined, and no industry is left untouched. Which is why I’m going to dig deeper into some of the specifics that the research has been unveiling, continuing to share advice and insights for those of you suffering under toxic bosses.
There are eight different toxic boss personas that our research has unveiled, which I’ve been focusing on. Three of these were discussed in my May 2024 blog: The Toxic Trio: Three Types of Toxic Bosses. Specifically, I addressed Dishonest Manipulators, Great Dividers, and Unethical Corruptors. In no specific order, these personas and their behaviours are harmful to employees’ productivity and well-being.
A fourth persona to highlight is the Self-Serving Egomaniac. This type of toxic boss is all about themselves and will take full credit for other people’s work. They care deeply about their image and are vain and arrogant. They are skilled at getting others to do their work and then present it as their own. Further, they won’t give appreciation for your hard work and contributions. Take a moment to check if your boss demonstrates any of these behaviours:
The higher your score out of a total of 7, the more your toxic boss fits the Self-Serving Egomaniac persona. For example, if you have at least 4 of these behaviours checked, it’s pretty clear you’re dealing with a Self-Serving Egomaniac. Yet even if you only are experiencing one or two of these behaviours, this boss is likely harming your productivity and/or well-being.
So, how can you survive working under a Self-Serving Egomaniac? The only way is to constantly suck up and do whatever it takes to make them look good and to meet their needs. Do not ask for or expect your needs to be met, although you may get rewarded at times for making them look good. But remember, their priority must be your priority.
I’ve seen firsthand how my clients and research participants have tried to navigate Self-Serving Egomaniacs, and it’s very difficult, to say the least. If you can put aside your own career development needs and focus solely on theirs, you can survive, but your energy and growth will be stifled. Looking for other opportunities, either internally or externally, will likely be your healthiest and most strategic career option.
I will continue to share research findings, tools, tips, and information about my upcoming book about toxic bosses in my monthly e-newsletter and social media channels:
Youtube: @dr.laurawhereworkmeetslife
Facebook: @Dr.Laura.whereworkmeetslife
Instagram: @dr.laura__
Tik Tok: @drlaura__
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References:
- Schmidt, A.A. Development and Validation of the Toxic Leadership Scale; University of Maryland: College Park, MD, USA, 2008
Dr. Laura Hambley is a thought leader on Career and Workplace Psychology, passionate about career development. She founded Canada Career Counselling in 2009, however has specialized in career development since 1999 through her Master’s research and counselling in different settings, including outplacement and career transition firms in Alberta.
Dr. Laura learned early on that effective career planning enhances wellbeing, confidence, and clarity in one’s work and life. Combining the expertise of Psychology with Career Counselling is what she sought to do as she founded and evolved Canada Career Counselling from Calgary to Toronto, Victoria, and Halifax, providing Career Counselling and Career Coaching to thousands of clients over many years.
Dr. Laura enjoys her work as a Career Counsellor and Career Coach to professionals who are in mid- or senior stages of their career, helping them navigate complex career decisions and pivots. Her extensive experience as an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, enables her to understand and address the challenges faced by individuals, leaders, teams, and organizational cultures. Having consulted to a wide range of organizations since the late 1990s, and becoming a future of work thought leader, has enabled her to help individuals and organizations navigate the latest trends impacting today’s organizations.
Dr. Laura fulfilled her dream of having her own podcast in 2020, called Where Work Meets Life™, where she interviews experts globally on topics around career fulfillment and thriving humans and organizations. She is a sought-after keynote speaker for organizations, associations, conferences, and events.
In addition to her Master’s in Counselling Psychology (1999), Laura holds a Ph.D. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology (2005) from the University of Calgary. She is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists, as well as a member of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). She also contributes to teaching, supervision, and research as an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the University of Calgary.
For more resources, look into Dr. Laura’s organizations:
