Signs Of An Unsupportive Boss – 25 Obvious Ones

If you’re like most people, you spend most of your time at work. And if you’re like most people, you don’t enjoy going to work when you have a terrible boss. So what are the signs of an unsupportive boss?

Having an unsupportive boss can make going to work feel downright miserable.

25 Signs Of An Unsupportive Boss

It can be frustrating if your boss is putting you down, micromanaging you, or refusing to give you the support you need to do your job.

There are 25 signs of an unsupportive boss. If your boss routinely does any of the following, they might not be the best boss for you:

1. They Put You Down:

If your boss is constantly putting you down, likely, they are not very supportive.

A good boss will be encouraging and positive and make you feel like you can accomplish anything.

2. They Micromanage You – Signs Of An Unsupportive Boss:

Suppose your boss is always hovering over you and watching your every move. Likely, they don’t trust you to do your job.

A good boss will give you the freedom to do your job without monitoring you. Worst sign of an unsupportive boss.

3. They Refuse to Give You Support:

If your boss refuses to help you when you need it, it’s not ethical. If they are giving you contradictory instructions, it can be very frustrating.

A good boss will be willing to help you out. They will provide you with clear instructions to know what they expect from you.

4. They Are Always Changing Their Mind:

If your boss is constantly changing their minds about what they want from you, it can be unclear.

A good boss will have a clear idea of what they want from their employees and stick to their goals.

5. They Are Unreliable – Sign Of An Unsupportive Boss:

If your boss is always canceling or postponing meetings, they are unreliable.

If they change their minds about what they want from you, it can be tough to work with them. A good boss will be reliable and consistent.

They will make sure that their employees know what is expected of them.

6. They Refuse to Take Responsibility:

If your boss constantly blames others for their mistakes, it is wrong. If they are never willing to admit that they were wrong, it can be very frustrating.

A good boss will take Responsibility for their actions. They will be ready to learn from their mistakes.

7. They Are Unfair – Sign Of An Unsupportive Boss:

If your boss is always playing favorites or giving preferential treatment to some employees, it can be very demoralizing.

A good boss will be fair and equitable in dealings with their employees.

8. They Are Incompetent:

If your boss is not competent enough to do their job, it can be frustrating. A good boss will be knowledgeable and skilled in their field.

They will be able to provide their employees with the support they need. Sign of an unsupportive boss is that they are not competent.

9. They Are Arrogant:

If your boss is always acting like they are better than everyone else, it can be very off-putting.

good boss will be humble and willing to learn from their employees.

10. They Are Intolerant – Sign Of An Unsupportive Boss:

If your boss is intolerant of different cultures or religions, it can be challenging to work with them.

A good boss will be open-minded and accepting of all people. They will be equal regardless of their differences.

11. They Are Intimidating:

If your boss is always threatening you or making you feel scared, they are not very supportive. A good boss will be friendly and approachable.

They will make you feel comfortable coming to them with your problems.

12. They Are Unapproachable:

If your boss is always in a bad mood or unwilling to talk to their employees, it can be challenging to work with them.

A good boss will be open to communication and willing to listen to their employees’ concerns.

13. They Are Rigid – Sign Of An Unsupportive Boss:

If your boss always insists on doing things their way, it can be very frustrating.

A good boss will be open to new ideas and willing to try out different methods to find the best solution.

14. They Are Negative:

If your boss is always negative and complaining, it can be very demoralizing.

A good boss will be upbeat. They will make their employees feel motivated and excited to come to work.

15. They Are Controlling:

If your boss is always trying to control what you do, it can be very frustrating.

A good boss will trust their employees to do their job and not interfere.

16. They Are Clueless:

If your boss asks you questions that they should already know the answer to, it can be very frustrating.

A good boss will be knowledgeable and up-to-date in their field. They will not need to rely on their employees for information.

17. They Are Dishonest – Sign Of An Unsupportive Boss:

If your boss is always lying or trying to deceive you, likely, they are not a very supportive person.

A good boss will be honest and upfront with their employees and treat them with respect.

18. They Are Manipulative:

If your boss is always trying to control your behavior or manipulate you, it can be very harmful.

A good boss will be respectful of their employees’ autonomy and will not attempt to hold them in any way.

19. They Are Self-Absorbed:

If your boss is always talking about themselves, it isn’t enjoyable. If they are never interested in hearing about your life, it can be very frustrating.

A good boss will be interested in their employees’ lives and care about their well-being.

20. They Are Critical:

If your boss is criticizing you, it can be very demoralizing. A good boss will be supportive and positive.

They will give constructive feedback that helps you improve your work.

21. They Are Uncaring – Sign Of An Unsupportive Boss:

If your boss doesn’t seem to care about your well-being, it can be not very encouraging.

A good boss will be supportive, caring, and caring for their employees’ happiness and success.

22. They Are Inflexible:

If your boss is never willing to compromise, it can be tough to work with them.

A good boss will be flexible and willing to work with their employees. They will find a solution that works for everyone.

23. They Are Unfriendly – Sign Of An Unsupportive Boss:

If your boss is always unfriendly and unapproachable, it can be tough to work with them. A good boss will be friendly and approachable.

They will make you feel comfortable coming to them with your problems.

24. They Are Rude:

If your boss is always rude and disrespectful, it can be tough to work with them.

A good boss will be respectful of their employees’ time and feelings. They will not behave disrespectfully.

25. They Are Overbearing:

If your boss is always trying to control everything you do, it can be very frustrating. It’s the biggest sign of an unsupportive boss.

A good boss will trust their employees to do their job and not interfere.

What To Do If You Have An Unsupportive Boss

If signs of an unsupportive boss are clear, there are 19 things that you can do:

1. Talk To Them:

The first step is to talk to your boss about your concerns. Express your feelings and let them know what changes you would like to see.

If they are unwilling to listen or change their behavior, you may need to consider finding a new job.

2. Talk To Your Coworkers:

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to your boss, you can speak to your coworkers.

They may be able to give you some insight into your boss’s behavior, and they may be able to offer support.

3. Seek Counseling:

If the problem is causing you significant stress, you may want to seek counseling. A therapist can help you deal with the stress of having an unsupportive boss.

They can provide you with tools and strategies for dealing with the situation.

4. Take A Break If You Have An Unsupportive Boss:

If things are getting to be too much, take a break. Go for a walk, relax at home, or do something that helps you relieve stress.

Taking a break can help you recharge and return to work feeling more motivated.

5. Find Support:

There are online support groups where you find support from people in a similar situation. These groups can be an excellent resource for:

– Finding advice

– Sharing stories, and

– Getting emotional support.

6. Talk To Your Manager If You Have An Unsupportive Boss:

If you have a good relationship with your manager, talk to them about the situation. They may be able to help you get a better relationship with your boss.

They may be able to help you get transferred to another department.

7. Get A New Job:

If things are terrible and you can’t see any way to improve the situation, it might be time to look for a new job.

There are many jobs out there, and you don’t need to stay in a position where you are unhappy and unvalued.

8. Document Everything:

If you decide to leave your job, it is essential to document everything. Signs of an unsupportive boss can be a proof if documented.

Please keep track of the dates of all conversations with your boss or any emails or letters they sent you. This information can be helpful if you need to take legal action.

9. Quit With Dignity:

If you decide to quit, do it with dignity. Thank your boss for the opportunity to work at the company. Let them know that you are grateful for the experience.

Leave on good terms to potentially return to the company in the future.

10. Stay Positive If You Have An Unsupportive Boss:

No matter what you do, try to stay positive. Don’t let your unsupportive boss get to you, and don’t let them ruin your day.

Staying positive will make it easier for you to deal with the situation and will make you happier in the long run.

11. Get Organized:

If your boss is constantly micromanaging, it can be helpful to get organized.

Make a list of the tasks you need to complete each day and keep track of what you have already done. It will help you prove that you can complete tasks without supervision.

12. Set Boundaries If You Have An Unsupportive Boss:

Suppose your boss is always asking for favors or trying to control your life outside of work; set boundaries.

Let them know that you cannot do work-related tasks after hours and on weekends. Don’t let them take advantage of you.

13. Stand Up For Yourself:

If your boss is disrespectful or bullies you, stand up for yourself. Let them know that their behavior is unacceptable and that you will not tolerate it.

Standing up for yourself can be difficult, but it is essential to maintain your self-respect.

14. Seek Outside Advice:

If you are struggling to deal with your boss, it might be helpful to seek outside advice.

Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist about the situation. They may be able to offer you some support and guidance.

15. Stay Calm:

No matter what your boss does, try to stay calm. Getting angry or emotional will only make the situation worse.

Staying calm and rational will help you think more and develop better solutions.

16. Don’t Take It Personally:

Remember that your boss is not always this way with everyone. They may be rude and unsupportive because they are under a lot of stress or having a bad day.

Don’t take their behavior personally, and don’t let it affect your self-esteem.

17. Seek Out Opportunities:

Even if you are struggling with a boss, don’t forget to look for opportunities. There are many jobs out there, and it is essential to keep your resume up-to-date.

You never know when you might find a new job that is a better fit for you.

18. Take Care Of Yourself If You Have An Unsupportive Boss:

An unsupportive boss can be very stressful, and it is essential to take care of yourself. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise.

Taking care of yourself will help you stay calm and collected during this difficult time.

19. Vent When Necessary:

If things are tough, it can be helpful to vent to someone who understands what you are going through.

Talk to a friend, family member, or therapist about your situation and how it affects you. Venting can help you feel better and process the case healthily.

Conclusion:

There are many signs of an unsupportive boss. An unsupportive boss can be very frustrating and stressful. However, there are many things you can do to deal with the situation.

Document everything, stay positive, get organized, set boundaries, and stand up for yourself. You might also find it helpful to seek outside advice or vent when necessary.

Remember to take care of yourself and stay hopeful that things will get better.

Last Updated on 6 hours by Shahzaib Arshad