My January, 2009 article addressed the impact that bad bosses had on one’s physical and emotional well-being. I received many responses to that article, almost all written by individuals who worked in settings that they experienced as basically noxious and overbearing, settings that offered little, if any, support. Some felt trapped, unable to leave their current job and seek a new position given the current high rate of unemployment. One person reported, “It’s hard for me to get up in the morning and go to work. I know I’m going to face a boss who only knows how to criticize and never offers any positive comments. No one smiles or laughs at work. Everyone is anxious and depressed, including myself. If I could find another job I would do so without hesitation.” In contrast to these negative accounts, I recently spoke at a school and had time to chat with a number of staff and faculty. I was impressed with how many of them voiced the sentiment, “I love working here.” When I asked what they liked in particular, I heard a variety of replies, including: “My work is very interesting.” “People really care about you here.” “It’s a great…
