If you don't want to be under a difficult boss, you need to be watchful even as early as your job interview. There are tell-tale signs that you need to watch for since those clues could be the manifestations of a potential toxic boss.
So, even if you like the job very much, look at these unsavory characteristics, for if you see them in your 'future' boss, no matter how great the pay is, and how highly advanced the workplace is, it will turn into a hell-hole if you are working with a toxic boss day-in and day-out.
1. Scans you from head to waist as against waist to head.
When the boss scans you this way, he is sending the message intuitively that you are smaller in stature than him. He or she could be a boss that would like to throw his weight on his subordinates.
2. Late for more than 30 minutes to an hour.
Although not really indicative of a toxic boss, not being there when you were asked to appear indicates that the boss does not put so much value on the time of his subordinates. It could be that if you become his employee, a lot of your time will be wasted just waiting on him.
3. Body language that reveals insecurity
If you are good at your job, an insecure boss would be threatened. He may look at you as somebody who is a threat to his job. If you are accepted by powers higher than him, he might make your life miserable in the workplace, to prove to his superiors that their choice is not a good one.
4. Speaks unprofessionally
Take careful note while he speaks, not so much in what he is saying, but in the manner he speaks to others and to you. If he sounds like speaking down most of the time, you might have a boss that will not encourage you to reach your stars, but someone who might even cause you to grovel in the dust.
