Written by Cari Borden

“Because I said so.”
If you’ve ever heard this in a corporate setting (or worse, felt it without it being said), you might be working under authoritarian leadership.

Authoritarianism in the workplace isn’t always as loud as a slammed desk or a public berating. Sometimes, it’s the quiet control: no room for feedback, a fear-based culture, and a leadership style that thrives on obedience over innovation.

🔍 What It Looks Like

Here are the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs:

• 🚫 Feedback flows one way, top-down, never up.
• 🔒 Decision-making is closed-door and rarely explained.
• 👀 Surveillance-style management: excessive monitoring, reporting, and control.
• 🧱 Autonomy is a foreign word, employees are micromanaged to exhaustion.
• 🧊 Dissent or alternative ideas? Shut down or punished.

It’s a workplace run on fear, not trust.

🛠️ How to Survive Until You’re Out

If leaving isn’t immediately possible (bills don’t pay themselves), here’s your mental and professional survival kit:

• Document Everything – Cover your tail. Keep receipts.
• Set Micro-Boundaries – They may not like it, but say no when your well-being is at risk.
• Find a Safe Outlet – A mentor, a friend, a coach—someone outside the system to talk to.
• Shift Your Focus – Learn what you can, grow your skills, and prepare your exit.
• Stay Professional, Not Submissive – You can stay respectful without being a pushover.

👉 Ready to plot your way out?
Check out my Nail the “Tell Me About Yourself” Question with an Elevator Pitch That Lands the Job to start preparing your responses that land the role you deserve.

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🎯 Need a Strategy to Escape the Chaos?

I’ve been there, seen it, survived it, and now I help others do the same. If you’re feeling stuck, misunderstood, or undervalued, let’s build your personalized escape route.

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