"This book is a lifeline for anyone suffering in silence, like I once did. I remember all too well how those days were filled with self-blame, stress, and anxiety. What you need are strategies to move forward, and you will find those here.”

–Facilities and Operations Executive

If you’re suffering because of the harmful behaviors of your manager, you’re not alone. In this book, I expose the pervasive problem of what I call “malignant managers,” and the devastating effects they can have on the people who work for them. I have heard about these managers again and again through my work as a professional career coach, and it’s clear that they’re everywhere—across functions and industries and at all levels. It seems that they fall into one or a combination of seven types, and you’ll find examples of each in the book.

What’s most painful is that these managers take a mental and physical toll on the people who report to them. Blows to self-confidence… paralyzing fear… creeping doubts about skills and qualifications… deteriorating performance… illness… reverberating impacts on family life…. All of these and more can result from mistreatment at work.

Beyond shining a spotlight on the problem, I provide a wide array of practical strategies to help you cope, regain confidence, and re-establish your well-being, even if you can’t or don’t want to leave your job right away. You might not be in a position to quit, but that doesn’t mean you just have to suffer. When you are ready to leave, there are even more strategies to navigate a transition and avoid landing with another malignant manager in the future.

To help me call attention to the issues and the effectiveness of the strategies, I share stories and quotes throughout the book from dozens of clients I’ve interviewed. I hope their voices will help you feel both validated (it’s not you!) and inspired by those who have “been there.”

I know the process of job and career transition can be daunting, especially if you have endured years of mistreatment. My fervent hope is that this book will provide the support and strategies you need to loosen the grip of your malignant manager, move forward, and reclaim your career.

You may benefit from this book if:

• You currently have a malignant manager – or suspect you do – and want specific strategies to break free.
• You know someone who’s suffering at work because of their manager, and you want to provide fresh ideas, strategies, and support.
• You’re a coach or therapist working with someone facing a malignant manager.

Ultimately, my purpose is to help you (and those you love) feel seen and heard and to renew a sense of hope, confidence, and strength on the job. We all deserve the opportunity to have fulfilling work lives and to use our skills and talents to create real impact. Life is too short to spend precious hours suffering at work.