5 Types of People that Toxic Bosses Hire

Most people, at one time or another, have worked in a toxic environment. In fact, complaints about toxic working conditions are at an all-time high, and they don’t happen by accident. They develop because employers, or the managers they hire, create conditions where toxicity can thrive. 

The toxicity of such bosses is reflected in their behavior. They may be overly critical or have unreasonable expectations that their employees struggle to meet. They might lack emotional intelligence and overstep boundaries in a way that makes their workers feel uncomfortable. Or maybe they have fostered an overly competitive environment where everyone feels stressed and burned out. 

But whatever the behavior, there’s another aspect of toxic bosses that often goes unnoticed: they tend to hire certain types of people, and these hires can contribute to the overall toxic environment. Here are five common types of people that toxic bosses hire.

#1. People who can easily be controlled and manipulated

From the toxic employer’s viewpoint, the employee who can be easily controlled won’t cause any trouble. They can be manipulated into supporting the boss’ agenda and will pose no threat to the manager’s ego or authority. For example, they will take on extra assignments if asked, and they won’t object when they’re made scapegoats for the boss’s failures. 

The toxic boss is self-centered and manipulative by nature. It stands to reason they would want to hire people who can be won over by a smooth and persuasive pitch. Ultimately, the toxic boss wants to be in complete control and hiring people who can easily be controlled allows them to maintain that power.

#2. Those who go along to get along

When you have coworkers who always seem friendly and easygoing, it likely means one of two things. Either they are unselfish people who like to make others feel appreciated, or they’re “yes men” who don’t want to make waves and will generally go along with just about anything. They certainly aren’t going to rebel against an unreasonable boss, because keeping their job is their main priority and they aren’t willing to do anything to risk it.

Yes people give off an energy of compliance that toxic bosses can spot a mile away. They know this type of employee isn’t always sincere when offering agreement, but they don't care as long as they get what they want.

#3. Individuals they see as expendable

Toxic employers go through employees faster than would be considered normal in most places. They will chalk this up to their own high standards, which they see as a virtue, or to the fecklessness of the modern worker, who doesn’t appreciate opportunities and is always trying to work some kind of angle.

Cynical to the core, toxic bosses are careful not to let themselves become too dependent on anyone. While more generous bosses might feel comfortable giving high-quality employees more and more responsibility, the toxic boss will resist doing this. They prefer to surround themselves with functionaries who can be replaced at any time without any disruption or consequence. If some of their hires surprise them by displaying superior talents, the toxic boss will usually find an excuse to push them out the door, since these individuals are seen as a threat.

#4.  People who have limited options

Everyone fears losing their job at one time or another. Toxic bosses know how to leverage this, and they like having employees who feel extremely fortunate to have their job, and who may be insecure about their ability to hold onto it over the long haul. 

Employees like this won’t talk back or leave just because their boss criticizes them or puts them under constant pressure. In these employer-employee relationships, the toxic boss has all the power, and that’s just the way they like it.

#5. Other toxic people

Ever heard the saying that birds of a feather flock together?  Well, it’s true in the workplace, too. Toxic bosses tend to attract other toxic individuals as coworkers or managers. These types of people often reinforce and enable each other’s toxic behavior, creating a vicious cycle that can be hard for others to break.

For instance,  a toxic boss may hire someone who is just like them: manipulative, self-centered and cutthroat. They may also promote or reward employees who exhibit similar traits. Such people likely won’t see anything wrong with the boss’ actions, and may even applaud them for being a strong and effective leader.

You deserve better, and you can have it if you play your cards right

Obviously, not everyone who works for a toxic boss is going to be toxic themselves. Good people like you often slip through the cracks because you do your work well, which reflects well on your boss. But are you really happy in your job?

Toxic means poisonous, and there is no reason to inhale the toxic fumes of your boss or your coworkers if you don't have to! Start strategizing your exit now, and you will be better off in the long run. A career aptitude test won't tell you if the boss is toxic, but it will help you identify what kind of work and environment is best suited to your personality. You could also hook up with a mentor in your professional field, someone who can offer advice and help you make contacts that could lead to more satisfying employment elsewhere.

Unfortunately, leaving a toxic work environment immediately is not an option for everyone. If your company’s human resources department can intervene, that would be fantastic. But if you can’t count on this, your best approach is to be as professional as possible in your dealings with everyone. Show up on time and finish your work on schedule. Treat everyone—including the toxic manager or colleagues—with respect, even if they haven't been doing the same.

While your toxic boss may not notice your professionalism and generosity, others surely will. They can act as character references for you when you’re finally ready and prepared to move on.

A toxic boss will never have your best interests at heart. As long as you remember this and refuse to let them manipulate or control you, you can peacefully co-exist with them until you’re ready to make your final exit.