Toxic leader: obvious signs that are visible at the interview stage

It seems that everything is right, but something anxious is looking in a smile. Something elusive sounds in properly constructed phrases.

Your intuition whispers: “Run”. It can be the voice of the mind that captures the first signals of the toxic leader.

Photo: Pixabay Its true essence is often masked by the perfect resume and worked answers. But some signs still appear in the interview.

Pay attention to how a person talks about his or her former team. The toxic manager never shares merit. He uses the pronoun “I”, describing the successes, and “they” explaining the failures.

His former colleagues are incompetent Lumumine, who were constantly failing. He refuses to be responsible for the failure of the projects. This approach directly indicates the habit of translating guilty to others and the inability to constructive self -criticism.

An alarming call becomes disrespect for your time. It is not just the cancellation of meetings at the last moment. These are constant interruptions, telephone conversations during your monologue, demonstrative verification.

Subconsciously, such a leader immediately shows that his interests are more important than yours. It establishes a hierarchy where you take the lower step. This is a humility test.

The question of your personal life, not related to professional qualities, should be alert. One healthy interest in the hobby is one thing. But trying to find out the details of marital status, plans for children or financial obligations is a red flag.

Such a leader is looking not to be a potential employee, but a person whose vulnerability can be manipulated for total control.

Depreciation of your experience and skills is another bright marker. You may be told: your past employer has long been outdated, or you have not been taught anything there.

The goal is not a constructive discussion, but a blasting of your confidence. It is a classic tactics for creating addiction. You need to feel that only this person has seen your “potential” that should now be justified.

The chaotic change in the conditions of discussion also says a lot. They discussed one functionality, and in five minutes it was another. They talked about specific tasks, but the topic has changed abstract ideas sharply. This is a sign of disorganization and inconsistency. In the work, this will be made into constant urgent edits and guilt for failure to fulfill unclear tasks.

Watch the tongue of the body. Aggressive, unfriendly gestures, a cold look that knows, intentional demonstration of power – all these are elements of pressure. Dialogue should be partner, not interrogation. A healthy leader seeks dialogue, toxic – dominance.

Trust your intuition. If you feel devastation, anxiety or self -doubt after meeting, it is a major signal. Your inner self has already analyzed thousands of little things and answered.

A career in a company with such a manager will turn into burning and undermined self -esteem. It is better to give up a dubious opportunity now than to pay for your mental health.

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