Korn Ferry posted an interesting article on what bosses need to avoid Bad bosses impact the entire company from recruitment and retention to revenue. People often stop buying from companies that treat their staff and/or vendors poorly.
Bad bosses, like good bosses are created and behavior is reinforced. Too many people ignore things that are inappropriate and there is no consequence for their actions. CEOs and leaders need to set the expectation and tone of performance, set boundaries and let employees know there are consequences to being a bad boss.
Top 10 Signs of a Bad Boss
1. Ignores or dismiss Feedback
Bad managers often create an environment where employees feel unheard or unimportant. When feedback is met with defensiveness, indifference, or retaliation, it destroys trust and engagement.
2. Micromanage
Bad bosses often don’t trust their employees to do their jobs. They nitpick, control every detail, and hover over work — which kills motivation and slows productivity. This often drives good people away.
3. Fail to communicate clearly or consistently
Poor communication — vague expectations, inconsistent messaging, or going silent — creates confusion, frustration, and mistakes. People can’t do their best work when they’re left in the dark.
4. Avoid accountability (for themselves or their teams)
Bad bosses blame others, deflect responsibility, or let poor performers slide because it’s easier than dealing with conflict. This breeds resentment among stronger employees and erodes team morale
5. Be inconsistent or show favoritism
When managers play favorites, enforce rules unevenly, or reward connections over performance, it demoralizes staff and kills motivation. People need to believe the system is fair or they check out.
6. Overwork people without support or recognition
Bad managers overload their teams without regard for capacity, never say thank you, and treat burnout like a badge of honor. That kind of culture leads to quick exits and health issues.
7. Fail to provide growth opportunities or career clarity
Bad managers don’t talk about development, don’t coach, and don’t help employees understand how to move forward. When people feel stuck or unseen, they leave — especially top talent.
8. Create a chaotic or unstable environment
Bad managers constantly shift priorities, change decisions without explanation, and lead by reaction rather than vision. That kind of chaos breeds distrust and drains energy — people never feel secure or grounded.
9. Ignore or fail to recognize good work
When managers never acknowledge effort or success, people feel invisible. Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive — even a “thank you” goes a long way — but bad bosses often assume silence is enough. It’s not. Catch people doing the right thing and acknowledge it. It’s a simple as saying good job
10. Shut down voices or discourage input
Bad managers treat input as a threat, ignore concerns, or punish dissent. Over time, people stop speaking up entirely — innovation dies, problems fester, and disengagement becomes the norm.
Bottom Line: A bad boss drains morale, drives out talent, and damages culture. Great leadership listens, supports, grows, and leads with consistency.
if you are guilty of these habits you are on your way to fixing it. The first step to changing a habit is recognizing it. if you know someone either in or out of your organization who is a good boss talk to them ask them how they learned to be a good boss. Get a coach ( I know a good one) Take classes, read books by people who know what it takes. Many of the authors like Simon Sinek are on You Tube. It takes time to change but consider the benefits. Also consider the issues if you don’t change. Your choice.
Recent Comments