The Internet Reacts To Boss’s Shocking Response After An Employee Got Hit By A Car
“If you have to teach people basic humanity, then something is really wrong.”
Bad bosses are like the plot twists in a workplace horror story—unpredictable, unnerving, and unforgettable. It could be a micromanager who won’t stop breathing down your neck, a tyrant who uses fear as a motivator, or a manipulative charmer who smiles while throwing you under the bus.
Most of us have crossed paths with one, and if you haven’t, congratulations—your luck is enviable. Toxic leadership is more than a bad vibe; it’s a morale crusher that can turn even the dreamiest job into a waking nightmare.
Think about it: a great boss can motivate and empower, turning challenges into opportunities for growth. But a bad boss? They can make you dread the sound of your alarm clock and question every career choice you’ve ever made that led up to that unfortunate moment.
If you think the worst examples are only found in movies or TV shows, think again. British entrepreneur Ben Askins’ Worst Boss Ever segment recently exposed one of the most heartless reactions imaginable.
In his now-viral post, Askins recounted how a boss reacted to an employee being hit by a car. Instead of asking if the worker was okay, the boss coldly inquired about her return to present at a pitch meeting. Yes, this actually happened.
A toxic boss makes every workday feel like walking through a minefield.
master1305/Freepik (not the actual photo)Here’s how the drama unfolded. The boss learned about the accident from a colleague who explained, “Stacey got clipped by a car. It wasn’t going quickly, but she was pretty shaken up. Beth just took her to the hospital to be checked out.”
Rather than expressing concern, the boss immediately responded, “When will she be back? We have a pitch this afternoon.”
Strategies for Improvement
To address toxic leadership, experts recommend implementing training programs focused on emotional intelligence and empathy. Dr. Carol Dweck, a motivation researcher, emphasizes the importance of fostering a growth mindset among leaders.
By encouraging leaders to embrace vulnerability and learn from their mistakes, organizations can create a culture where employees feel safe and respected. Dweck's research promotes the idea that when leaders demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, it inspires others to follow suit, ultimately leading to positive change.
Crunching numbers while dodging drama—office life in full swing!
Campaign Creators/Unsplash (not the actual photo)As if that weren’t appalling enough, the boss rejected the colleague’s offer to step in, calling them a “worst-case scenario.” Only after some back-and-forth did the boss reluctantly agree to let them present.
Meet the expert who’s decoding toxic bosses one tantrum at a time—Louise Carnachan
louisecarnachanLeadership Insights
Dr. Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist, emphasizes that toxic leadership often stems from a lack of empathy and awareness. In his research, Grant argues that leaders who fail to show genuine concern for their employees' well-being create a culture of fear and mistrust.
He suggests that effective leadership is rooted in emotional intelligence and the ability to foster connections. As he states on his website, 'When leaders prioritize their employees' needs, they not only enhance morale but also improve overall productivity and creativity.'
Louise Carnachan, author of Work Jerks: How to Cope with Difficult Bosses and Colleagues, weighed in on the situation, calling it a textbook case of toxic leadership. The lack of empathy left her stunned, and she branded the boss’s response as “breathtakingly inhuman.”
Your ultimate survival guide to the office jungle—Work Jerks by Louise Carnachan
google booksThe boss’s first response should have been, ‘Is she okay?’ instead of their preoccupation with a pitch,” Carnachan explained.
The moment the internet collectively said, ‘Did that boss seriously just text that?’
ben.askinsProof that empathy isn’t a requirement on some résumés
BP Montage/fakewhatsA workplace culture expert notes that the way a leader responds to crises can significantly impact employee loyalty and productivity. When faced with a traumatic event, such as an employee being hit by a car, leaders should respond with compassion and support.
Studies show that organizations that prioritize emotional well-being during crises cultivate a more resilient workforce. This approach not only helps employees feel valued but also encourages them to remain committed to the organization, fostering long-term success.
According to Carnachan, toxic bosses come in many forms: the micromanager, the manipulator, and the disrespectful tyrant. But the signs are often similar—dismissive attitudes, unpredictable tantrums, and a tendency to treat employees like interchangeable tools.
Breaking news: Boss becomes internet sensation for unlocking unimaginable levels of a**holery
Sadly, bad bosses aren’t a rare species. A recent FlexJobs survey revealed that 87% of professionals have encountered at least one toxic manager in their careers.
Toxic environments don’t just harm your health—they slowly chip away at your happiness and ability to maintain healthy relationships.
Getty Images/Unsplash (not the actual photo)So, what can you do if you find yourself under a bad boss’s reign? Carnachan suggests starting by setting boundaries. If direct confrontation isn’t an option, consider speaking with HR, an ombuds office, or even seeking legal counsel for severe cases.
Bad bosses aren’t just a workplace myth; they’re actually more common than you think.
Carl Heyerdahl/Unsplash (not the actual photo)Ultimately, know your limits. “Identify your bottom line and plan your exit strategy,” Carnachan advises. Toxic workplaces erode your well-being, and no job is worth your mental health.
Outrage over the boss’s text fueled a wave of relatable stories about surviving difficult managers.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Dr. Laurie Santos, a psychology professor, highlights the importance of fostering a culture of kindness in the workplace. Her research indicates that when organizations prioritize empathy and support, they see improved employee satisfaction and retention.
To create a more positive work environment, Santos recommends implementing regular check-ins, offering mental health resources, and encouraging open communication. By actively promoting these practices, organizations can mitigate the negative effects of toxic leadership and enhance overall morale.
Something is definitely wrong
Zero empathy!
No one deserves a boss like this
Research from workplace psychology indicates that toxic leadership can lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover rates. A study conducted by Dr. Shawn Achor, a positive psychology researcher, reveals that fostering positivity at work can counteract the damaging effects of poor leadership.
Achor suggests that implementing gratitude practices, such as recognizing employee efforts regularly, can enhance workplace morale. This simple act not only uplifts individuals but creates a ripple effect, positively influencing the entire organizational culture.
Good question
Remember, bad bosses don’t just harm employees—they poison entire teams, leading to low morale, high turnover, and lost productivity.
If you’ve ever dealt with a boss like this, you’re not alone. And if you haven’t? Count yourself lucky. Just don’t forget to watch out for the warning signs.
In summary, the reactions to toxic leadership highlight the essential need for empathy in the workplace. Research consistently shows that leaders who prioritize their employees' emotional well-being not only foster a supportive environment but also drive organizational success.
As multiple experts emphasize, creating an atmosphere of trust and compassion is crucial for employee satisfaction and retention. By investing in leadership development focused on emotional intelligence, organizations can mitigate the effects of toxic behaviors, leading to a healthier work culture for everyone involved.
