Before we say “people don’t leave jobs, they leave toxic work culture” We need to take a good look at ourselves because here is the truth, we are a part of that same work culture and very much instrumental in forming/shaping that work culture. So before we point fingers at others, we need to remember the moments when we gave in to the toxic work culture and done things that were morally wrong to support this toxic work culture saying “that’s how things work”. We are equally responsible.
Even if we feel that we are the victims and have done absolutely nothing wrong, we still need to analyze what caused the toxicity in the first place because guess what, the “toxic person” that has wronged you also (in most situations) claims to be a victim of the same toxic work culture. And if everyone is so unhappy with the “toxic work culture” and everyone claims to be a “victim” that means we are creating this toxicity unintentionally.
The great thing about this much talked about “toxic work culture” is that everyone wants to get rid of it and there is no culprit who is purposely trying to create it. If we start doing things the right way, others will follow. Negative behavior is contagious but so is positive behavior. Most of the “toxic people” are toxic because someone else wronged them to get ahead and then they thought this is what needs to be done but the fact is even they consider themselves a victim. We need to stop complaining and lead by example.
A few tips to overcome the feeling of being a victim of the toxic work culture:
➤ Don’t Label or Judge bosses/employees/co-workers as Good or Bad:
Before we label anyone as good, bad or toxic, we need to keep in mind that we all are humans first and there isn’t a single human who is 100% bad or 100% good at personal or professional level, it’s the side we choose to see. A good boss or coworker as per your opinion can be really bad according to me.
➤ Be Neutral: Our brain has a habit of exaggerating the bad stuff. Be neutral and get a clear picture of how bad the situation actually is and think of a solution to fix it instead of complaining about it.
➤ Do not react or respond to a negative behavior with similar negative behavior: ‘Tit-for-Tat’ won’t get you anywhere, that’s how you become equally responsible for the toxic work culture (by becoming toxic yourself)
➤ Do not bad mouth your boss or co-workers in front of your colleagues: Even if you are upset and want to vent, I’m sure you have enough friends outside of work to do that. Bad mouthing your boss or co-workers in front of your colleagues will only make your negative emotions stronger, they might intentionally or unintentionally add fuel to the fire by stating their similar opinions or even worse fabricate that information and use it against you.
➤ Do not gossip: We usually don’t come to know when a discussion turns into a gossip, well it’s not that difficult to spot, the moment you catch yourself discussing people, STOP, that’s a sign that your conversation has turned into a gossip.
➤ Be Real, Be Appreciative, Be Interested, Be Nice, Be Kind: A lot of negativity will disappear with a positive outlook.
➤ Don’t hold grudges against your co-workers/boss/client
Be the change you want to see!ヅ