My friend Mike runs a YouTube channel that is all about learning to be a better manager and what to do when you get into a leadership role. You might consider checking out his channel here –> Leadership with Mike – YouTube <–  And we got into a discussion the other evening in a social media group about how to deal with toxic managers. Mike has a great video on, “How to Deal with a Toxic Boss at Work” (Which I will link to below – because you should check out the video.) One of his viewers asked this question:

“I have a better question. How do I find a job where there isn’t a toxic boss? Each time I quit a job and went for a job where I would be appreciated and my skills would be valued, the tables turn and I find a boss more toxic than the last one. I am literally like that sad girl who always dates the users and abusers.”

This is actually a great question, especially right now, I know a lot of employees feel this way, society is running a short fuse right now. So I shared my thoughts, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to share those thoughts on what you can do to find a quality work environment.

It’s frustrating to read questions like this, but it happens a lot of places in business because managers are not trained well when they are promoted into a position. They are promoted because of production or performance, and not people skills or charisma.
 
It is also relevant to consider what industry or area of expertise this person may have? Because maybe that will direct some follow-up or change in perspective.
Next, if or when you are interviewing for a position as an employee with a person or company; I would ask a few of these questions.
Asking questions is a window into the person’s mind that is interviewing you (after all, that is why they ask you questions to see if there is a fit)
 

Consider these questions when interviewing for a new job or a for a promotion!

  1. What sort of ongoing training is offered for staff members in their positions to support growth and results? (i.e. you) Awesome!
  2. Has your role changed since you have been here or did you come into the company in management?
  3. What are the opportunities to advance within the company? (The answer here is not what is most important, but the follow-up is). Awesome!
  4. If I were here for a length of time and prove myself through work ethic and production, what sort of management and leadership training is offered for me to move to the next level myself?
  5. Do you enjoy your job? (yes or no – either way)… What is something from your position that you could see the company needs to improve on?
  6. What about your favorite thing, or something that this company is better at than anyone else.
How a manager/leader answers those questions will give you some signs – AND – if they get annoyed you are asking, it gives you an idea of how they will respond once you work for them and have questions or want to grow. I would note, that if they are not asking you questions, but are selling you on why it’s great to work there (in my experience) it’s not that great to work there.
 
Those are some things I would consider.
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Check out the video below that created this conversation! And if you haven’t already, you might subscribe to “Leadership with Mike”

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Thanks for stopping by!

Mike Phillips