Got a Toxic Boss? What should YOU do? Frequently poor performing employees are put on a performance improvement plan (PIP) but how many bosses do employees put on a PIP? I am going to recommend that you think of a ninety-day improvement plan for your boss. Yes, a private ninety-day performance improvement plan, for you to see if your boss can be changed and or have the self-awareness of what he/she is not doing well or doing that is toxic.

1. Got a Toxic Boss? What should YOU do?
Rex Gatto Ph.D., BCC
Got a Toxic Boss? What should YOU do?
Frequently poor performing employees are put on a performance improvement plan (PIP) but
how many bosses do employees put on a PIP? I am going to recommend that you think of a
ninety-day improvement plan for your boss. Yes, a private ninety-day performance improvement
plan, for you to see if your boss can be changed and or have the self-awareness of what he/she is
not doing well or doing that is toxic.
Toxic and Nutrient Boss Characteristics
Toxic Boss Characteristics:
• Don’t recognize employees for their contribution
• Micromanage employees and take credit
• Avoid change and innovation
• Don’t hire, promote or develop the right people
• Don’t listen, say things in meetings that cause confusion
• Don’t support their direct report
• Don’t communicate clearly and with transparency
• Are not consistent (what mood is s/he in today?)
• Don’t make timely decisions or change their minds
• Wait too long to address personnel problems
• Wait too long to promote the right people (personal bias)

2. Toxic Bosses waste time, demoralize employees and are a catalyst for talent walking out the
door. People join organizations and leave bosses.
Nutrient Bosses are able to differentiate talent and give supportive and developmental feedback
to help employees grow.
Nutrient Bosses Characteristics:
• Give continual feedback
• Recognize employees for their contributions for success
• Establishes clear performance expectations
• Create performance consistency by using a common descriptive performance language
• Discuss, support, and coach employees to sustain or develop work performance
(behaviors)
• Outline employee strengths and talents with enhancements through self-assessment
and boss observation/assessment
Actions to take to see if your boss is savable or is it time to start the process of separating
yourself mentally from your present workplace and looking for a Nutrient Boss?
The relationship between boss and employee is a partnership that is fulfilled by both.
Do you feel that you are working with someone who has your best interest at heart? Do you
support your boss?
Is your boss a role model for you to follow? Do your try to meet your boss’ expectations?
Does your boss give you feedback that you know will help you develop your skills to continue to
advance your career? Do you give your boss feedback, and say thank you?
Do you feel working with your boss is a developmental process that is challenging you to be a
better employee and person? Do you fulfill the challenges your boss gives to you?
Does your boss demonstrate ethical behavior that sets him/her apart from other bosses? Are you
an ethical role model?
Does your boss clearly support your attributes and encourage and recognize your talents? Do you
encourage your boss?
Is your boss responsive to you, with timely responses via email, telephone, and or personal
requests? Are you responsive to your boss demonstrating a professional attitude?
Points of Discussion to see if you have a Nutrient Boss
Ask your boss the following:
• Where do I stand in meeting your expectations?

3. • Am I satisfactorily meeting job responsibilities?
• Do you have confidence in my abilities?
• Do you feel I am building the right working relationships?
Reflect on the above discussion points to decide if you have a Toxic Boss!
Toxic Boss Survey
(Almost always =5, 4=frequently, 3= sometimes, 2= rarely, and 1 = not at all)
Is your boss approachable?
Is your boss calm and forthright in discussing expectations with clarity?
Is your boss a leader?
Is your boss trustworthy?
Is your boss an effective listener?
Is your boss an effective communicator?
Is your boss knowledgeable and capable of job performance?
Is your boss an effective decision-maker?
Is your boss a change agent for organizational betterment?
Does your boss give you opportunities to grow?
Does working with your boss give you personal satisfaction?
Does your boss give you hope?
Scoring
60-48 points and above Nutrient Boss = Congratulations!
40-47 points Moderate Nutrient Boss = Keep working
39-36 and below Oh No = ???
35 Toxic Boss = Wow resume time?
Remember Demanding Bosses are not a Problem.

4. The above will give you a blueprint on what you can work on with your boss to start to move
him/her in a right direction.
What’s that you cannot have an open discussion with your boss – your boss does not care – your
boss is not around – your boss cannot do the job and relies on you to do his/her job. You may
have a Toxic Boss!
Actions you should take if you have a Toxic Boss:
• Do not blame your boss or try to undermine
• Be professional = positive attitude
• Reflect on what you want and visualize it
• Open lines of communication with your boss
• Give recommendations or input to your boss
• Keep your boss informed
• If you see a problem own it and let the boss know
• Work hard
You now have a format for identifying and working with your boss. It is up to you to have
confidence in yourself to move your career forward. Your career your responsibility; take charge
of your career in a positive and constructive manner with an approach that will benefit you. Did
you put your boss on a ninety-day improvement plan? You know you have the self-awareness of
what your boss is doing well, not doing well, or doing that is toxic?
If you put your boss on a private PIP, work with him/her for ninety-days to see if you can make a
difference in his/her career development? Then you have a choice to make.
If your boss is a Nutrient Boss, let your boss know you appreciate working with him/her!
Rex Gatto Ph.D., BCC
President
Gatto Associates LLC.
412 344-2277 (Office)
www.rexgatto.com
rex@rexgatto.com