Workplace culture is an important aspect of one’s professional experience. It is either good or bad and when you find yourself in a toxic work environment, you must learn how to survive and continue to thrive amidst the chaos.
Working in purpose and in alignment of an organization’s mission is exciting, rewarding, and transformative.
However, a company’s work culture is not palpable through a well-crafted job description, or an over-the-top job interview.
Therefore, when you accept a job offer, the team that you are assigned to plays a huge role in your ability to carry out your responsibilities successfully.
Teamwork does not assume responsibility for individual traits and behaviors but simply relies on all the moving parts working together in tandem.
Before we delve into the survival tips of a toxic work environment; here are some toxic attributes that may be present at your workplace:
1. Favoritism
2. Office gossip
3. Lack of trust
4. Indifference
5. Micro-managing
6. Lack of boundaries
7. Taking credit for other people’s work
8. Retaliation and aggressive competition
9. Lying or slander to minimize someone’s credibility
10. Group bullying, or emotional abuse aimed at a target
Whew…and this list is non exhaustive!
Do not fret because if you love what you do and desire to overcome the negativity of a toxic work environment, then go on about your business with these effective survival tips:
A) Minimize idle chatter and stay productive throughout your workday. Excuse yourself to grab a coffee or to use the restroom if you cannot escape a gossipy manager or co-worker.
B) Let your performance speak for itself. Do not engage in backbiting behaviors to get one over on a toxic work colleague. Keep doing excellent work to align with your calling and your organization’s mission. You will be rewarded one way or another.
C) Develop emotional intelligence and wield it religiously as an invisible weapon! That is your superpower to deflect from emotional abuse and/or group bullying that may be directed towards you.
D) Follow the rules and regulations of your organization, an internal HR audit or investigation will often reveal the naysayers and perpetrators of a toxic work environment if conducted justly.
E) Pray and remind yourself of Who ultimately placed you in that position, do not allow years of arduous work and sacrifices be reduced to insignificance by toxic behaviors that have nothing to do with you.
In conclusion, tread wisely and stay focused, and you will successfully navigate a toxic work environment when you do not have a choice but to survive. If you are forced to leave a toxic workplace due to circumstances beyond your control, then do so gracefully knowing that you gave it your best shot.