5 Survival Techniques for Navigating Toxic Work Environments
In our monthly “Toxic Wednesday” call we have as part of the Toxic Waste Class, we discussed experiences and strategies for dealing with some particularly nasty toxicity. We discussed actual reactions of the people gathered. In other words, we discussed how we can create change in an environment actively hostile to that change.
Here are five real-world survival techniques that emerged from the conversation:
1. Play Ball, But Find Your Way
One participant suggested "playing along" while simultaneously seeking out small opportunities to make positive changes. This approach involves finding little ways to help and improve the situation without overtly challenging the status quo.
2. Build a Sleeper Network
Another strategy involves creating an internal community of like-minded individuals. This "sleeper network" consists of people who are committed to working better, smarter, and more humanely. It provides a support system where members can share experiences and collectively deal with toxicity.
3. Foster a Problem-Solving Counter-Culture
Alex proposed developing a counter-culture within the organization that focuses on solving problems and getting work done efficiently. This approach shifts the focus from toxic behaviors to productive outcomes, potentially influencing the broader work culture over time.
4. Become a "Shit Shield" for Your Team
Mark shared an interesting tactic of acting as a buffer or "shit shield" for the team. This involves absorbing the negativity and pressure from higher-ups, allowing your team members to work in a more protected environment.
5. Deploy Strategic Distractions
Another intriguing technique Mark mentioned was creating "Distraction WIP" (Work in Progress) for toxic leaders. This involves strategically distracting problematic individuals to minimize their negative impact on the team and its work.
Remember, these techniques are not one-size-fits-all solutions. The effectiveness of each approach may vary depending on your specific situation and organizational culture. The key is to find a balance between maintaining your professional integrity and protecting your well-being in challenging work environments.
These are simply suggestions from the group, the course has very detailed mitigations to survive more specific types of toxicity.
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