A bad boss can make even the best job completely unbearable, which is a real shame.
While some leaders inspire and support their teams — and those are the ones you’ll want to keep working for forever! — others create a toxic work environment without even realising it. If you keep hearing these phrases at work, chances are you have the worst boss ever. You might want to start brushing up that CV and get on Indeed to start finding a new position where you’ll be more valued, respected, and not quite so miserable.
1. “I don’t care how you do it, just get it done.”
A boss who prioritises results over process often creates chaos. That kind of leadership ignores workload, resources, or even ethical concerns, putting all the pressure on employees without offering guidance or support. A good leader provides clear expectations and ensures their team has the tools to succeed. When a boss dismisses how something gets done, it usually means they don’t understand (or don’t care) how hard it actually is.
2. “That’s not my problem.”
When a manager refuses to take responsibility for issues affecting the team, it’s a clear sign of bad leadership. Whether it’s an unreasonable deadline, a toxic coworker, or a lack of resources, a good boss helps find solutions, not just shrugs and walks away. A dismissive attitude like this makes employees feel unsupported and unheard. A great leader understands that their team’s problems are their problems too, and they step in when needed instead of dodging responsibility.
3. “We don’t have time for training — just figure it out.”
Expecting employees to perform well without proper training is a recipe for stress and frustration. A boss who refuses to invest in learning assumes that people can magically develop skills without guidance. Great leaders understand that well-trained employees are more effective, confident, and motivated. If your boss treats training as a waste of time, it’s a sign they don’t care about your growth — or they’re just bad at managing people.
4. “You should feel lucky to have this job.”
A boss who constantly reminds employees that they could be replaced is toxic. This phrase is usually meant to make people feel insecure, discouraging them from asking for fair treatment, better pay, or a healthy work-life balance. Good leaders value their employees and show appreciation for their work. If your boss regularly implies that you should be grateful for being employed, they likely see you as disposable rather than an important part of the team.
5. “I’m too busy to deal with this.”
While higher-ups have their own workload, refusing to address important issues isn’t leadership, it’s avoidance. If they’re constantly unavailable or dismissive, employees are left to struggle on their own. A good boss makes time to support their team, even when they’re busy. If your manager always acts like your concerns are an inconvenience, they’re not doing their job properly.
6. “I need you to be available at all times.”
Expecting employees to be constantly on call is a clear sign of a bad boss. Everyone deserves time to disconnect, and a leader who doesn’t respect boundaries is encouraging burnout. While some jobs require flexibility, a good boss acknowledges the need for a work-life balance. If yours makes you feel guilty for not responding to emails at 10 p.m., they’re creating an unhealthy work culture. You’re allowed to switch off when you leave the office — in fact, doing so is healthy!
7. “That’s just the way we’ve always done it.”
A refusal to embrace change often keeps a company stuck in outdated, inefficient ways of working. If your boss shuts down new ideas with this phrase, it means they’re more interested in maintaining control than improving things. Good leaders encourage innovation and listen to fresh perspectives. A boss who refuses to change is usually just insecure about their own ability to adapt.
8. “Why are you taking a break?”
Micromanaging even the smallest moments of downtime is a major red flag. A boss who constantly questions breaks or makes employees feel guilty for stepping away is one who doesn’t respect basic workplace rights. Taking breaks improves focus, productivity, and mental health. A good leader understands that working non-stop leads to burnout, while a bad boss sees any break as laziness. They should be encouraging you to step away from your desk every now and then, not berating you for doing so.
9. “I’ll take all the credit for this.”
They might not come out and say this in these exact words, but you know the gist when you hear it. Few things are worse than a boss who steals recognition for your hard work. Whether it’s presenting your ideas as their own or taking full credit for a successful project, this behaviour is a clear sign of insecurity and poor leadership. A great boss highlights their team’s contributions and ensures credit is given where it’s due. If yours constantly claims the spotlight without acknowledging your efforts, they’re the type of leader no one wants to work for.
10. “I don’t want to hear about problems, just solutions.”
Source: Unsplash While problem-solving is important, ignoring issues altogether is unrealistic. A boss who refuses to hear about challenges creates a toxic culture where employees feel pressured to hide mistakes rather than address them. A good leader listens, helps troubleshoot, and provides guidance when things go wrong. If your boss shuts down conversations about challenges, they’re creating an environment where problems will only get worse.
11. “You should be working, not complaining.”
When a boss dismisses employee concerns as “complaining,” it usually means they don’t care about workplace issues. This kind of leadership discourages people from speaking up, even when something is seriously wrong. A strong leader listens to feedback and understands that employees raising concerns isn’t them being difficult — important for improving the work environment. If your boss makes you feel bad for addressing problems, they don’t value your well-being.
12. “Other people would kill for this job.”
Source: Unsplash Implying that you should tolerate poor treatment because other people would take your place is manipulative. It’s a way of shutting down complaints, making employees feel replaceable instead of valued. A good boss focuses on making the workplace better for their current team rather than using threats of replacement. If your boss constantly reminds you that they could give your job to someone else, they’re trying to make you feel powerless. It’d be great if you could call their bluff here!
13. “You need to be a team player.”
Source: Unsplash While teamwork is important, bad bosses often use this phrase as a way to guilt employees into working longer hours, taking on extra tasks, or tolerating unfair treatment. If you’re expected to sacrifice your own well-being for the sake of “the team,” it’s a problem. A great leader promotes collaboration without exploiting employees. If your boss uses “team player” as an excuse to push people beyond reasonable limits, they’re not leading — they’re manipulating.
14. “If you don’t like it, leave.”
A boss who responds to concerns or dissatisfaction with this phrase isn’t interested in improving the workplace. Instead of addressing issues, they make it clear that employees are disposable and replaceable. A strong leader values their team and works to create a positive environment. If your boss regularly tells people to leave rather than listening to feedback, it’s a sign they don’t care about retention, morale, or even basic respect.
