When the Boss is a Wolf in Disguise: 5 Signs of an Overbearing Leader in the Office

Imagine you are in the corporate jungle, surrounded by wolves in sheep's clothing. Yes, those are the authoritarian leaders who, with their seemingly “modern,” visionary, and friendly command style, try to camouflage their despotic nature. Today, we will explore five signs that you are under the influence of one of these leaders and how to avoid being eaten up in the process.

1. One-Way Decisions: The King Midas of Control

If your boss makes all the important decisions without consulting anyone, or even worse because you make decisions responsibly within your role and he gets angry saying that he “has to know everything”, alarm! This is a classic sign of an authoritarian leader. In their world, the team's opinion is as valuable as a dollar bill at an art auction. If you feel your ideas are being ignored, it's time to pull out your best sheep's clothing and act smart.

2. Meetings that Don't Listen: The Great Micromanagement Circus

Does it sound familiar to you to have endless meetings where there is a lot of talking but little listening, or meetings where the remote or virtual dynamic is transformed into an obligatory face-to-face one? If your leader organizes meetings with the appearance of being a great listener, but in reality, they are micro-management spaces, you are dealing with a wolf in disguise. It's like attending a magic show where the only trick is to make your ideas disappear. To survive, take a list of key points with you and make sure that, at the very least, those present take away a souvenir of your brilliance.

3. Finger-pointing Praise and Criticism: The Russian Roulette of Recognition

When recognizing work, these leaders are like magicians: they only show what they want from certain people while making others invisible, without the slightest qualm. If you only hear praise when everything goes well and criticism when something goes wrong, you are dealing with a disguised authoritarian. I think the key here is to keep a low profile and, if possible, document your accomplishments so they don't get blown away.

4. The Culture of Fear: Welcome to the Circus of Terror

If there is more fear than trust in your office, it indicates authoritarian leadership. These leaders create an environment where mistakes are not forgiven and creativity is stifled. To survive, adopt the chameleon strategy: adapt, observe, and choose your battles wisely.

5. Disdain for the Diversity of Opinions: The Dictatorship of the Single Thought

Authoritarian leaders often view diversity of thought as a threat. If your boss dismisses ideas that don't align with his or her vision or takes them and turns them around to make them look like his or her ideas but totally changes your point of view, it is a clear indication of his or her leadership style. The best defense is assertive communication; express your ideas with confidence, but always with respect.

Don't Let Yourself Be Devoured!

Working with an authoritarian leader masquerading as modern can be a challenge. However, with cunning and a little humor, you can navigate this corporate jungle. Remember that while these leaders may seem imposing, you have the power to protect your space and your ideas - don't become a wolf's lunch! It's also an alternative to ask yourself how healthy it is for your mental health and professional development to work in these environments. Do you know of any other characteristics to identify these wolves in sheep's clothing? Share and comment!