Regan here! Wtf is wrong with our world. Nearly 7 in 10 workers say their workplace is toxic. But somehow, the managers responsible keep getting promoted.
Now, most toxic managers aren't villains. They're insecure.
Their afraid of losing control, scared of being found out, desperately trying to justify their own existence. None of that makes it okay. But it does make it easier to stop internalizing their behavior as truth about you.
That being said, I've sat across from enough women to know what this does. Not just to your performance. To your confidence. To the way you talk about yourself. To the quiet voice in your head that starts to wonder if maybe you're the problem.
Spoiler: you're not. And this week we're getting into it.
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Your manager has a bigger impact on your mental health than almost anyone else in your life.
The research on this is clear: over time, your direct manager can affect your confidence, your sense of identity, and the way you show up in every other area of your life.
Some of the most common effects of working for a toxic manager include:
Increased anxiety and stress, particularly on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings
Erosion of confidence in your own judgment and abilities
Feeling like you have to shrink yourself to stay safe
Difficulty switching off from work even when you're not there
Questioning whether you're good enough, capable enough, or worth investing in
If any of these feel familiar, it's not a reflection of your ability. It's the environment you're in.
What to do if your boss is toxic?
Dealing with a toxic manager is genuinely hard. There's no magic fix. But there are things you can do to protect yourself and start to regain a sense of control.
If your current manager has you quietly updating your resume, Julie is your person. While most people prepare what to say, Julie helps you prepare how to show up: from your body language to your background to the stories that make you unforgettable.
Before you go! Tell me: what's the most unhinged thing a manager has ever done to you?
I read every reply, and love to hear from you!
Until next time,
