
If you're suffering because of the harmful behaviors of your manager, you're not alone. In this insightful book, Cathy Alfandre exposes the pervasive problem of what she calls "malignant managers," and the devastating effects they can have on the people who work for them. She spotlights seven types of malignant managers, from the overtly abusive to the subtly destructive. Whether they are demeaning, manipulative, credit-stealing, or neglectful, the damage they cause is profound and lasting. Through real-life client stories, the book highlights the mental and physical toll that reporting to a manager like this can take, from blows to self-confidence, paralyzing fear, and deteriorating performance to sleeplessness, illness, and reverberating impacts on the family. Beyond pointing out the issues, the author also packs the book with an array of practical strategies to help you cope, regain confidence, and re-establish your emotional well-being, even if you can't or don't want to leave your job right away. For those ready to leave, the book offers even more specific strategies to navigate a transition with confidence and clarity and avoid landing with another malignant manager in the future. Addressing even knotty challenges, like how to explain why you're leaving your job, these pages provide valuable ideas, tools, and tactics you can use to break free. Cathy Alfandre knows that the process of job and career transition can be daunting, especially for those who have endured years of mistreatment. With an empathetic and steady hand, and with the voices of dozens of clients for further inspiration, she offers support to help loosen the grip of your malignant manager, move forward, and reclaim your career.
Being in a job with a malignant manager is one of the worst professional experiences I have known. Cathy has coached me, several times, through bad managers. Cathy's book provides insightful ideas and tools to help you manage the situation and find the best way forward for you. It won't be easy, but this book will demonstrate that you are not alone and that you will survive this occupational challenge. It offers proven techniques and constructive action that you can take today to win back the control and confidence you need to survive a malignant manager.
Philanthropic Executive
I spent years questioning my worth under a manager who thrived on control and criticism. I wish I could have read this book at the time, because it would have saved me so much self-blame, stress, and anxiety, and helped me to realize that I wasn't alone. Cathy Alfandre's tone is calm, supportive, and encouraging, and her coping strategies are empowering. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is stuck in the nightmare of working for a malignant manager.
Former Marketing Executive
With more than 30 years of industry experience, I unfortunately had two particularly bad (aka "malignant") managers. I wish I had had this valuable resource. Cathy Alfandre deftly describes how to recognize, cope, and move forward from malignant managers and the stress they can induce. She provides many real-life examples of workplace challenges and offers numerous solutions to navigate through them, and move onward and upward in your career and life. A practical, thoughtful read for any professional struggling with a difficult manager.
Healthcare Executive
As a licensed clinician, I often meet clients when they are at some of the most difficult and upsetting times of their lives. When problems occur in the workplace, clients will usually attempt to reach out to their managers or supervisors for support. However, the manager or supervisor can sometimes be the cause of the difficult situation. Cathy Alfandre's book examines common types of malignant or toxic managers, and then gives concrete and ready-to-use strategies to deal with the situation-from making the workplace more conducive to staying, all the way to preparing to leave and move on. I will recommend this book to my colleagues and clients trying to cope with a bad manager.
Martin Brault, MS, AADC, LADC, Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor
This is a truly remarkable book that can empower readers with skills and strategies to address their difficult situation rather than just seeing themselves as victims with limited options. It draws on real-world scenarios and offers specific suggestions to help readers reclaim their confidence. As a career coach and former HR director, I've seen firsthand how destructive some managers can be. Malignant managers are a regrettable reality of the workplace. The power of this book is to offer practical solutions to complex, but common situations.
Mark Cohen, Career Coach and former Director of Human Resources
As a Career Coach and former HR leader, I have too often seen how a malignant manager can strip an employee of their self-esteem and cause them to question their whole career. This book is a must read for anyone suffering in a harmful work environment. It offers support and hope, validates what feels like a lonely experience, and provides numerous strategies to survive and thrive again.
Jeanne Knight, Career Coach and former Director of Human Resources