Most of us have worked for one. Bosses, supervisors or managers who are self-centered, thoughtless, egotistical, disorganized, overly critical, and sometimes even verbally abusive, demeaning, rude or mean.

These types of leaders often push good people out of an organization —they fire them or, most often, the cream of the crop leave. A department-wide exodus is a great sign of a leadership malfunction.

So, the question is, why are you still around? 

If you’re waiting for someone to clue in to the fact that your boss is not a good leader, don’t hold your breath. Upper management probably already knows. But the truth is, your boss must be doing something right (in fact, they’re probably doing a lot right) to climb the ladder and stay there. It’s not so easy to get rid of a leader in an organization, and the real question is why would you, if the organization is thriving as is?

It’s time to face reality. Why are you working for someone you don’t respect?

Perhaps you love or are loyal to the company. Maybe you’ve worked hard to get where you are and you don’t want to “throw it away.” Maybe you’re stubborn (thinking ‘I’m not going to be the one to leave’). But, more likely than not you’re scared. Scared of change. Because let’s face it, change is hard work, it’s uncomfortable, and it’s … necessary.

Change is the catalyst for success. If your boss is not motivating you, has not earned your respect, or is inadequate in other ways then you’re not going to be successful staying where you are. People are successful when they’re motivated by the right leader.

Stop wasting time. Go find the right leader, or become one.