Mita Mallick knows what it’s like to work for bad bosses. Over the years, in roles spanning marketing and HR, she’s encountered almost every type of toxic manager: the yeller, the micromanager, the gossip, the credit-stealer—even the one who naps through meetings.
“All these years later, I still remember these people,” Mallick says—and the lasting harm they did to morale, productivity, and the overall workplace environment.
Now an author and workplace strategist, Mallick has made it her mission to help others recognize these red flags before accepting a job offer.
“We all come to work because we want a paycheck, but we also want to be recognized and valued for what we do,” she says.
Mallick argues that a bad boss doesn’t just lower team morale—they can hurt productivity, quality of work, and employee retention. She explores these themes in her upcoming book, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses, debuting in September.
Here’s her advice on how to spot the warning signs of a toxic manager—and avoid landing in an unhealthy workplace.
The Number-One Red Flag: How They Act in the Interview
For Mallick, the biggest clue about a manager’s true style is how they behave during the interview process.
“It’s their first impression, so they should be on their best behavior,” she explains. “If not, that’s the red flag.”
Punctuality, for example, matters on both sides of the table. If your prospective manager is late—especially without apologizing—it suggests they may not respect your time once you’re on the team.
Equally important is their demeanor. Mallick warns job seekers to look out for managers who seem disengaged or indifferent during the conversation. That attitude could signal they won’t be available to mentor or support you later.
Listen Carefully to How They Talk About the Company
Another subtle clue is how the hiring manager describes the organization. While honesty about challenges is welcome, constant negativity is a major warning sign.
“I’ve been in interviews where people will tell me, ‘This is a really tough place to work. It is rough.’ And I was like, ‘Wait, you’re trying to sell me on this job, right?’” Mallick recalls.
If a manager openly badmouths their own company, it may reflect their own bad attitude or indicate a truly toxic culture.
Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
Mallick knows it can be tempting to overlook red flags when you really want a role. Earlier in her career, she says she “fell into a trap” of chasing impressive job titles despite noticing clear signs the environment would be unhealthy.
Her advice: focus less on what looks good on your résumé, and more on where you’ll actually be happy and productive.
“Don’t get caught up in what looks good on your resume, versus what you actually will be doing there,” she says.
A Healthier Way to Choose Your Next Job
Ultimately, Mallick’s message is about self-respect and smart career strategy. A toxic boss can derail your confidence, growth, and even your love of your profession. By staying alert to subtle cues in the interview process, you can avoid that outcome and choose a workplace where you’ll thrive.
After all, as Mallick reminds us, we’re not just working for a paycheck. We’re looking for a place where our work truly matters—and where we’re valued for what we bring to the table.