Do you think your boss is abusive?
Do you hate working for your boss or are they making your life difficult?
It can be difficult to see an abusive and toxic boss for what they really are – which is why this quiz is going to help!
This “Is my boss abusive quiz” will take you through 10 questions to help explain if your boss’s actions are abusive!
Is My Boss Abusive Quiz
Results
The results indicate that your boss IS abusive.
You need to take steps to protect yourself and do something about the toxic situation you’re in as soon as possible.
I’ve included some information at the end of the post that should help you figure out what you’re next steps should be, and how to protect yourself.
The results indicate that your boss is NOT abusive.
It’s possible your boss is not acting professionally and you don’t enjoy working under them, but it doesn’t sound like they’re abusive.
I’ve included some information at the end of the post that should help you figure out what you’re next steps should be, and how to protect yourself.
#1. Does your boss yell at you or your coworkers in front of others?
#2. Does your boss belittle or pick on you or your coworkers?
#3. Does your boss clearly favor certain workers over others?
#4. Does your boss micromanage workers?
#5. Does your boss engage in gossiping about staff behind their backs?
#6. Does your boss disrespect professional boundaries?
#7. Does your boss get physical with you or your coworkers?
#8. Is it evident that your boss is gaslighting workers?
#9. Does your boss deliberately make it difficult for workers to do their jobs properly?
#10. Do you dread going to work and having to see or interact with your boss?
Related – Find out how toxic your boss is or if they secretly have a crush on you with these quizzes!
How to Deal with An Abusive Boss
Working for an abusive boss is difficult, frustrating, and stressful – as I’m sure you’ll agree!
If you are being subjected to abuse in the workplace, it is essential you take action to protect yourself and don’t just suffer in silence.
Here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself, build a case (in case it’s needed), and most importantly handle an abusive boss:
Document the Abuse
Keeping a record of any incidents of abuse, including the date, time, and details of what happened is essential.
This will help you establish a pattern of behavior as well as build up evidence that can be used if you need to take further action.
Talk to Someone
If you feel comfortable doing so, (and I really encourage this) you should talk to someone about the abuse and how you’re feeling.
This could be a trusted coworker, a human resources representative, or a union representative within the workplace if you want advice as to how to handle your situation.
Or, you could talk to friends and family members as a starting point if you want to vent to someone and get their opinion on what you’re going through.
Follow Company Policies
Your employer should have policies in place to address workplace abuse. If they do, it’s essential you follow those policies and procedures.
Don’t try and take matters into your own hands or confront your abusive boss – this could make matters worse and even lead to further abuse.
Consider Legal Action
If the abuse continues and your employer does not take action to address the situation, you may need to consider taking legal action.
This could involve filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or seeking the assistance of a lawyer.
You have rights in the workplace, you should not tolerate abuse from your boss or anyone else or feel like you’re being pushed out of your job.
It’s one of the worst feelings in the world to dread going to work because you’re being targeted and picked on.
You need to know that you have options.
It may not be easy, but you deserve better! Don’t suffer in silence, take action to protect yourself and get the help you need.
Will an Abusive Boss Ever Change?
It is possible for an abusive boss to change their ways, it’s possible for anyone to change.
But I hate to say that it’s not likely.
The thing is; most people who behave abusively in the workplace do so because they have deep-seated emotional or psychological issues.
They’re the ones with a problem, not you.
Even though they might make you feel like you’re the one being the problem, you’re absolutely not.
They probably require professional help to address their own issues before they can change their attitude and behavior in the workplace.
In other cases, abusive behavior may be the result of a toxic workplace culture.
In this case, there likely needs to be significant changes at an organizational level in order to address the problem.
Neither of these issues are your problem, and nor can you help with either of them!
So, what I’m saying is that if your boss is going to change from an abusive boss into a compassionate, helpful, and professionally mature boss, it needs to come from them!
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Never Blame Yourself if Your Boss Is Abusive!
I just want to reinforce that you should never blame yourself if your boss is being abusive, even if they’re making out it’s due to your incompetence or something else.
You’re a victim. You didn’t do anything wrong.
Even if your performance is not up to your boss’s expectations, they should follow the correct professional procedures to work with you and try and help you.
Blaming you, making your life difficult, or treating you in an unprofessional or disrespectful way is not how any boss should behave.
So, don’t be too hard on yourself, and remember to take action to protect yourself and get the help you need.
Image credits – depositphotos.com/stock-photo-boss-yelling-at-subordinates
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.