A power-tripper rules because she hits you at your weakest spot. For Maria, the education and care of her children are far more important than fighting for her rights.

A power-tripping boss can make work feel like walking on eggshells, and if it continues you’ll lose confidence, lose momentum, and dread Mondays. In this article, Jef Menguin shares practical ways to deal with power trippers—stay composed, communicate assertively, and set limits without starting a war. Use it and pass it on at work so your people learn to stand firm without becoming toxic too.