Is Your Supervisor Secretly Toxic?
It's just a casual remark, right? But what if that single uttered line reflects a much larger trend? It’s time we talked about microaggressions.
Have you ever had a knot in your stomach after a conversation with your boss? Maybe they said something off, but you couldn't quite say why. Perhaps you brushed it off, told yourself you were overreacting, or didn't feel up to dealing with the issue. But what if there's more to it than you're aware of? Could remarks like that, over time, leave you questioning your own value?
Here's something to think about: You share something intimate, maybe a challenge you've been facing, and instead of support, you get a response like: "Everyone suffers" or "You need to toughen up." It's just a casual remark right? But what if that single line reflects a much larger trend?
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
We must discuss microaggressions.
Microaggressions
Microaggressions—that subtle, sometimes not-so-subtle insult or assumption—can take many forms. They're sneaky, they're subtle, and they're quick to make you question. You begin to wonder: Am I making a big deal out of this? Or worse, Is my fault for being too sensitive?
The problem is, such moments, though fleeting, are not inconsequential. They tend to chip away at your confidence and sense of security in the long run. And most often, the people who make such slights—like your boss—might not even realise they're doing it.
But here's the secret: the moment you begin to notice these patterns, something powerful happens. You start to look behind the curtain. The question isn't whether they are microaggressions. It is: What do I do with them?
Are you up for learning how to spot them? More importantly, what if you could respond—calmly, confidently, and in a way that shifts the dynamics of power?
Stay tuned, because in the next part of this article, we’ll dive into how to deal with microaggressions in a way that protects your emotional wellbeing—and your professional integrity.
Don’t miss the microaggressions toolkit next week, a 5-step how-to for managing such things.
If you found this helpful, you’ll love what’s behind the paywall.
Become a paid subscriber for £5/month and unlock exclusive essays, how-tos, toolkits, and intimate reflections to support your creative and neurodivergent self in a demanding world.
Click Subscribe and choose the paid option — your support keeps this work going.