‘He made me take a personality test’: Employees discuss the moment they realized their managers were bizarrely toxic

Lana DeGaetano • "Show me to me please."

Mar 2, 2025 4:00 PM EST

Whether you're a workplace rookie or a veteran employee, sometimes it's difficult to discern the glaring red flags toxic managers spell out for you as if they're waiting to get reported. In every line of work, every industry, and every floor of an office building, several employees have bizarre personality traits that directly (and negatively) affect colleagues and employees. These employees, however, don't care. Why? They have a higher title to protect them from any real retribution. Coming to terms with the fact that you're reporting to a narcissistic manager might be a bit difficult at first, but as you'll read in the discussion below, it gets easier with time. The current job market doesn't allow us to be picky most of the time, but knowing how to combat (or drown out) a toxic manager's gameplay is the first step in leaving for greener pastures. Below, you'll read about the moments employees realized their boss was majorly toxic. Scroll below.

Managers/bosses sometimes do things that might fly under your toxicity radar. Sure, workplace gossip isn't ideal, but it's not unheard of. Most subordinates gossip about their managers, so why can't they gossip with their managers? That might be a tell-tale sign they haven't “grown up," but it isn't the end of the world. However, if they start gossiping nonstop about everyone, that's when you need to tune in. Or how about when managers make their unmanageable mood swings your problem? Hm, maybe they shouldn't be in a position of influence and power…
via Getty Images For Unsplash+

_{The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.}
"Before anything major happened, what was your first minor inkling that something was wrong with your manager?"

via Cinna41
via Cerulean_crustacean
via Cerulean_crustacean
via Plain_Jane11
via Plain_Jane11
via Mission_Ganache_1656
via Mission_Ganache_1656
via Wild-Exchange2488
via Wild-Exchange2488
via Gold-Ninja5091
via Queasy-Tune-5966
via Getty Images For Unsplash+

_{The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.}
via facedownasteroidup
via loser_wizard
via loser_wizard
via Expensive_Shower_405
via everlasting_torment
via Altruistic_Row_2264
via Due-Homework-9188
via Joland7000
via Weird-Conclusion6907
via ListMore5157
via JasmineDeVine
via Possible-Position-73