Establishing a Healthy Culture in the Workplace
Adapting to the Role
Starting a new job can be a daunting task, especially if you have no prior experience working in the specific field of said occupation. There is a significant learning curve, and it is the job of the leader to ease your transition into the daily responsibilities that the job requires. You must learn to conduct the task at hand, as well as grow accustomed to the routine developed by the company’s guidelines and your new colleagues. If a company’s culture is built with dignity, then the transition into their habits should be seamless. However, some companies conduct themselves with toxicity, reigning at the highest level. This effect trickles down the corporate ladder, causing individuals at the bottom to fall victim in the antics that the leaders bestow. All of these new challenges can make the thought of receiving a promotion overwhelming at first. Rest assured, it is possible to work your way up at an efficient rate.
Attitude Amid Confrontation
While on the clock, you must maintain a positive attitude, no matter what’s thrown at you throughout the day. I’ve always made that a mission, as I’ve worked with countless individuals who would ruin the vibe by bringing their drama into the workplace. Dramatic situations that arise on the clock should be handled with diligence, especially if customers or individuals outside of the company’s employees are involved. The reputation of the company should be of the utmost importance to those who work for it. If there is a dispute between colleagues, that too must be taken care of internally and met with swift resolve. Letting a conflict fester for a prolonged period will, in turn, contribute to the development of a toxic culture, in which those who are not involved will notice how the leaders handled the confrontation. They will either resent those higher on the totem pole or realize that they can get away with the bad behavior and eventually carry out actions detrimental to those around them.
Laying the Foundation
If you stick with a job for a prolonged period, you will inevitably learn how the company operates. You’ll retain the habits of how to conduct the business, and strong-minded individuals will adapt and learn how to turn those practices into their own. This is an essential step in regards to working your way towards that leadership position. If you can showcase your skills and make them correspond with your personality, then you will have a step up when compared to those who only go by the script. Others will act like robots, while you stand out as an individual, and that goes a long way in the eyes of your leaders, colleagues, and clients. You must know your worth, no matter who attempts to bring down your spirit. Whether you are a rookie or a seasoned veteran, mistakes are inevitable. Learn and grow from the errors that arise. Whether they are of your own doing, or that of others, teach your colleagues the correct way of doing the task to limit the oversights. You will get further than those who remain silent.
An Unfortunate Reality
I’d be remised to avoid bringing up that there are other factors at play when it comes to advancing up the company’s hierarchy and establishing a culture. It is a well-known and unfortunate fact that women and minorities typically have more obstacles in their path when it comes to obtaining leadership roles. By no means am, I undermining the fact that there are people of all creeds, colors, and genders that occupy leadership positions every day. However, in most cases, the majority of these particular individuals can present stories and situations in which they overcame unfair treatment. Professional boundaries must be maintained while on the clock. If someone puts you in a position that is a detriment to your mental health and safety, do not hesitate to report it to their higher-ups. It is the responsibility of the leaders to investigate and reprimand those who cause harm to their employees. If you report an incident and the leaders fail to do anything, then you should not spend another day blessing them with the services that you provide. Choosing to leave a toxic workplace is difficult, but trust me when I say that no job should ever put your well-being at risk. I bring this up because I’ve heard countless stories of people, especially women, who endure harassment and feel trapped in the same position with little resolve. That’s not right. You should never be made to feel lesser than anyone else, especially within the confines of the workplace. As a leader, you must call out unfair treatment and stick up for your colleagues. In doing so, they will put forth more energy into defending you when called upon and support your vision further than you could have ever imagined.
The Overall Goal
You have to use your skills to help bring up those who fall under you. It is your responsibility to do so. Whenever a question or concern arises, you must act in the best interest of your colleagues and the company. The higher you get, the more people see you. When a situation arises, the leader inadvertently establishes the way that they would like it handled. They are the role model. So, make decisions in the best interest of ALL, for now, is not the time to be selfish. You were put in this position because your leaders believed in your ability to conduct the task at hand and help others do so with efficiency. Carry yourself with dignity and establish early on that you will not accept anything less than their best. Your colleagues will respect and appreciate your efforts.
