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Signs of a Selfish Boss

If you’ve ever worked in an office environment, you’ve probably dealt with some breed of bad boss. Micromanagers, control freaks, and selfish tyrants lurk at all levels of organizations, their destructive powers wreaking havoc in the workplace.

In fact, employee-employer relations are major stressors for even the savviest businesswomen. According to a Gallup poll, supervisor problems surpass most other areas of worker dissatisfaction, including salary, hours, and job duties.

Don’t let a lousy leader knock you off your career ladder. Steer clear of costly consequences by recognizing ways a self-centered boss keeps her subordinates in check.

Clips Your Wings:

Selfish bosses are super sensitive to younger and brighter protégés nipping at their heels. Overeager beavers rarely win a battle with the boss — especially if it’s over sharing the spotlight. So if you find yourself staying late at the office but left out of important meetings, request a chat. That promotion you’ve been waiting for may never come.

Steals Your Work:

Self-centered bosses hate getting eclipsed by their underlings so they hog the glory by taking credit for your work. Sure, your job is to be creative and generate fresh ideas. You’re also there to make your boss look good. But if you’ve singlehandedly saved a project — or four — and still need a nametag, there’s a thief in the ranks.

Feeds You to Wolves:

You relish being the boss’ right-hand woman but unfortunately, there’s an ugly underbelly – you’re always doing the dirty work. Firing employees or taking flak for a bad sales pitch should never land in your lap. Shoulder the responsibility only if it’s a balanced load. You’re there to support your boss, not be her whipping girl.

Leaves You in the Lurch:

You’ve proved yourself and finally get to spearhead a major project. Only your boss gave you half of the vital information and an impossible deadline. Plus, your team isn’t qualified to get the job done. Why would she sabotage her own crew? She might be throwing you under the bus to keep you in your place.