Ever felt confused about what's expected of you at work or struggled to get a straight answer from your manager? Those could be signs of a toxic boss. Stefanie Costi, a 34-year-old lawyer in Sydney has gained viral attention after helping professionals spot the red flags with a viral LinkedIn post.
Costi drew from her own experiences to share the eight key signs you might have a toxic boss, from changing expectations to lack of clear answers.
"I shared the signs of a toxic boss because I've been through it myself and know how challenging it can be," Costi told Newsweek.
In the post, she said: "Toxic bosses love to sell you a dream job that doesn't actually exist," adding, "Here's how to spot the con:"
- A vague job description.
- No clear reporting structure.
- Changing expectations.
- Hyping the position with promises of career growth and advancement, but providing no actual plan or resources to make it happen.
- Disorganization in the interviewing process.
- Not giving you a clear answer on staff turnover.
- No clear performance metrics.
- Being overly friendly, too fast.
"Don't let them trick you," Costi warned. "If something feels off, it most likely is."
On LinkedIn, the post has since gained thousands of reactions and hundreds of comments from other workers. "I wanted to help others who might be going through something similar so they don't feel alone and can take action to leave toxic workplaces if necessary," she said.
Costi explained that her passion for the topic comes from witnessing firsthand the detrimental effects of toxic leadership.
"It is something I am passionate about as I have seen the impact it can have on both personal well-being and career growth," she said.
It wasn't long before others started weighing in with their own experiences in the comments section.
"Yes, I've had it happen to me in the past," Freddy wrote. "Unfortunately, I was too inexperienced to see it at the time!"
While LinkedIn user Scott said: "This is spot-on. A flashy title and big promises mean nothing without clarity and structure."
Costi was pleased that the post seemed to resonate with people, and hoped that it would help others spot toxic workplace situations early. For those currently dealing with a toxic boss, she also offered some practical advice.
"If someone is dealing with a toxic boss, I think it's important to recognize the signs early, set boundaries and try to seek support from a coach or mental health professional to determine whether what you are going through is toxic," Costi said.
"If things don't improve, leaving the toxic environment is often the best option for your mental and professional health."
English (US) ·