Judy was the best boss I ever had. She was one of the owners of a construction company. She dressed and looked like a movie star. People stared at her wherever we went. She was not just beautiful on the outside. She was also honest, kind, and smart. She taught me how to run an office and how to establish boundaries, without being mean to people. She taught me how to dress nice and gave me her old clothes. She loved to shop. She had lots of nice clothes. She treated me like a daughter.

Judy allowed people to learn by their mistakes. She stood up for her employees and did not allow anyone to be abusive. Our office was filled with healthy food, flowers, and laughter. After work, we went to aerobics classes or grocery shopping. She let me drive her fancy cars when I needed to run errands for the business. I loved her like a mother.

After working for the construction company for a few years, I decided to go to college. Working for Judy gave me the confidence I needed to be successful in nursing school. I left the construction company to work at a hospital, but I still kept in touch with Judy. She was one of the key people who had a positive influence on my life.

The worst boss I ever had was not pretty on the outside or inside. She was mean, condescending, and liked to gossip about everyone. She would not talk directly to the person she needed to communicate with. Instead, she would tell someone else to tell a person what she wished to communicate. She would reveal the personal medical and other information of her employees to anyone who would listen. Nobody trusted her.

My worst boss was cruel to people. She would yell and curse at people. She was rude to the clients, her employees, and people in other departments. She was very difficult to work with and could not keep employees for more than a few months. Eventually, she was investigated for fraud and forced to resign.

A Gallup Poll found that people quit their job most often due to "a bad boss". Toxic bosses lack leadership skills, do not communicate well, and abuse their subordinates.

Strong leaders are not intimidated by the expertise of their followers. Bosses who are powerful leaders move mountains, by knowing the strengths of their followers. Great bosses know how to communicate, encourage team building, and bring out the best in people.

Being abused by your boss can raise your blood pressure, cause you to lose sleep, and make your life miserable. You could try healthy coping methods, such as yoga or venting your feelings to friends. If you feel your health or self-esteem is at risk, you may need to report your boss, transfer to another department, or find a new way to make a living.

You can document the behavior of your obnoxious boss in a journal. Then, give a copy of your journal to Human Resources. Your boss might be counseled, or you could be labeled a complainer. Your boss might deny being an abuser. Your bad boss could retaliate and create a work environment that is even more unpleasant.

Having a toxic boss may be a good thing in the long run. You could be motivated to find a better job, or start the business of your dreams. After you find a better job or start your own business, you can smile and be kind when you hand your toxic boss your letter of resignation. You are really firing your boss.

Learn more about this author, Linda Shortell.
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