Wednesday Wisdom: Toxic Work Culture

Today's Wednesday Wisdom is brought to you by Indra Books, founder of Agility for All. Do you have a question? Post it in the comments. 

I was recently watching a reels on Facebook from corporatedropout_confessions and she was talking about managing up in a toxic work culture. She states that the "term managing up means managing your relationship with your boss, essentially developing and growing a strong report with your boss. This type of concept is so unhealthy and toxic workplaces. It has employees trying to adapt to their toxic manager's behavior or poor skills. And it has toxic managers doing anything to look good to their bosses at the expense of their direct reports. And while they are out for themselves, they're just piling on the work on the direct reports." 

She also talks about teamwork versus me work and the gas lighting that happens if anyone tries to speak up, being told that they aren't a team player. Her most valid point is "it is not the employee's responsibility to adapt to a bad management spot style, to survive in the workplace. And to be honest, this term is being used a lot to cover for that." 

She continues to point out that these employees are already stressed out due to the insane workloads and environmental stressors placed on them. At one point she says, "do better." But the problem is can they do better? And will they do better?

I can't disagree with anything that she says in this video. But how do you change this? The reality is that if you are on the receiving end and victim to a toxic workplace, you can't change the organization. Those who created it and those who have allowed it to continue have to want to change it. And it is unfortunately a situation of knowing when to cut your losses and protect yourself. 

What you can do is change your environment and your situation. You deserve a healthy work environment so if you are in this situation then use your proverbial feet to demonstrate how you feel about it.

What you can also do is when you interview for your next position be sure to ask specific questions about management styles, work culture, and even ask to speak to other employees in similar roles.

What are some of the signs and symptoms that you see in a toxic culture? Have you been part of one? Sadly many of us have been and we know the signs. But sometimes it's really hard to avoid them if you need the job and don't have any other options. So if you find yourself in this situation. Start planning. There's always a way out and there are always people to help you figure out a solution to the problem. 

And that is today's Wednesday Wisdom. Don't forget that if you have a question post it below. Tune in next week for our next segment.

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