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We’ve all worked that job where the boss is just a little sketchy. Shady office politics or outright deception at work can wreak havoc with your job satisfaction and professional growth.
Here are 17 clear signs that you might not trust your boss so that you can better understand if they’re Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde. If you see multiple red flags on this list, it’s a wake-up call about your work environment.
Dodges Direct Questions
If you have a boss who never gives you a direct answer, it’s like having a magician for a boss who excels at disappearing acts. Where a vague response or sidestepping of issues is the response to your queries, it might mean they are hiding something.
Relying on them for guidance, of course, is about as effective as using a chocolate teapot. What you need is some transparency, not a riddle wrapped in an enigma.
Changes Their Story Often
Is your boss telling a story as if they’re playing telephone? Changing narratives constantly appear only if one lacks consistency or is outright lying.
All you can do when the goalposts keep moving is to have no faith in any information coming from the top. Remember, it’s consistency, not only for skincare routines but for leadership, too.
Keeps You in the Dark
A major trust issue comes forth when your boss is more secretive than a cat burglar when it comes to important projects or changes in the company. Not giving information leaves you unprepared and blindsided, and you can’t do your job well.
A good leader tells their team what is going on, not leaving them in the dark like mushrooms.
Don’t Make Promises You Can’t Deliver
Another huge red flag is a boss who makes more promises than a politician on the campaign trail but delivers none of the promises.
Failing to live up to a promised raise, promotion, or even lunch on a Friday erodes trust faster than you can say ’empty promises.’ Reliability is a virtue, and your boss should be faithful to it.
Plays Favorites
We’ve all heard of a teacher’s pet, but it’s even more galling when it’s your co-worker.
Favoritism from a boss creates disharmony and bad morale amongst the team. It’s not only unfair; playing favorites guarantees your workplace will become a soapbox drama lineup.
Claims Your Achievements
Organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry surveyed 804 respondents, and nearly half (48%) said their boss has taken undue credit for work that they have done.Take notice if your boss is a magpie who loves to shine by taking credit for your hard work.
A boss who is trusted lets people have glory for their own hard work, rather than being greatly gleaming in another’s. A good leader lifts you, not use you as a stepping stone.
Micromanages Everything
Does your boss have a magnifying glass on your shoulder? A micromanaging boss is a sign of insecurity and lack of trust. Dima Suponau, cofounder of Number For Live Person, believes micromanaging is a form of bullying because it involves seeking control.
It kills creativity and innovation way faster than you can say ‘control freak.’ A confident leader doesn’t work marionette strings with their team — they trust them to work independently.
Gossips About Colleagues
Gossiping in the office about other employees means a boss might just be practicing their part in a soap opera, but it never leads to lasting results in the workplace.
The behavior breeds distrust and division in you and makes you wonder what they say about you when you’re not around. If they gossip with you, they gossip it back about you.
Displays Frequent Mood Swings
It’s exhausting working for a boss whose mood changes more often than the weather.
Mood swings that feel like a roller coaster will make it a toxic workplace where you will have to walk on eggshells. Emotional whiplash is not something a good boss should be offering.
Shows Different Faces
A manager with more personality than an actor in a one-man show can make you wonder how to act. If they are friendly to you but dismissive to others, or vice versa, then you’re dealing with an inauthentic person.
A good leader behaves in the same way regardless of audience.
Lies or Misrepresents Facts
If it is frequently that you catch your boss in lies, you need to start asking yourself about his or her integrity. Trust is built on honesty, so if your boss is one to misrepresent facts, he’s like a house built on sand: unstable and untrustworthy.
Breaches Confidentiality
What your boss shouldn’t act like is some gossip column spilling the beans about private matters.
Breaking confidentiality, though, is a very serious trust breaker and can damage your professional reputation. A good boss respects your privacy and keeps sensitive information locked up.
Blames Others for Their Mistakes
If it becomes apparent your boss is scared of accountability like a cat is of water, then you know they’re not to be trusted.
A leader who doesn’t own up to their mistakes but throws others under the bus is not a man or woman of integrity. Accountability is a strength, not a weakness, remember.
Makes You Feel Uneasy
Are you more uncomfortable with your boss than a cat in a bathtub? If they make unsuitable remarks or produce disruption, it means that they don’t regard your borders.
To feel that you are constantly on edge is not a healthy work environment — it should feel safe and supportive.
Creates a Culture of Fear
If fear’s the theme of the day in your workplace and you feel you’re viewing a film adaptation of the latest horror movie, it’s time for a reassessment. A fear-based, not open communication-fostering boss, kills creativity and inhibits growth.
A good boss creates an environment where people want to collaborate—not one where people are always looking over their shoulders.
Withholds Support
You can’t rely on a boss who disappears like a ghost when you need help. When your boss is inadequate in times of need, it’s because they are not investing in your own success. A supportive leader will not disappear like smoke in the wind; he’ll be there to guide.
Makes You Question Your Worth
When your boss leaves you dreading your inadequacies more than a good mystery leaves you wondering about its ending, it’s time to revisit the situation.
A trustworthy boss lets you know when you’re wrong but always builds you up, gives constructive feedback, and gives you respect for the work you’re putting in. You should never have to question your worth at every turn and feel empowered and valued.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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