How to Swim in the Shark Tank
The human toll of toxic work environments and how to survive
Let's face it, adulting is hard. Is your workday both grueling and frustrating? Some days are okay, but most days are terrible. The days that are just okay are few, far and in between. While the terrible days are in no short supply. But, trust me when I tell you, it does not have to be this way.
Toxic work environments are prolific in some industries. They are like a festering sore that just gets more and more infected, instead of getting better. And the next thing you know, there is a full-blown malignancy.
Sadly, I have worked in enough toxic work environments. 8 hours seems like an eternity.
A toxic work environment creates undue stress and anxiety. It wears on your heart and soul. It creates and breeds dysfunction and chaos. It manifests as migraines, chest pain, various digestive issues, and sleep disorders (just to name a few). In other words, it takes a toll and sucks the ever-living life out of you.
What makes a work environment toxic?
There are countless studies and research conducted on what makes a work environment toxic. Toxic work environments are not just found in a single industry or job title. Unfortunately, they are everywhere!
According to the definition by Wikipedia (and I do like this one), a toxic work environment is a“workplace that is marked by significant drama and infighting, where personal battles often harm productivity”. This is spot on. Some people thrive on drama and disharmony. If they are not happy, then no one else should be either. This is pee-pee caca!
I have witnessed bullying at various levels.
I have witnessed new hires come to work and turn a productive environment negative. I have also seen new hires come aboard only to leave shortly thereafter because of the negative environment (even as short as 2 days).
I have seen seasoned professionals harass and beat down younger workers, and refuse to help them navigate the new waters of an organization.
I have experienced leaders turn good, productive environments into total shit holes.
I have watched good leaders leave a workplace because they could not turn a bad environment into a more positive one as the negativity was so ingrained. To watch a high functioning leader or colleague leave an organization because they can’t make any positive inroads is disheartening and deflating.
“I’m dead inside” — Michael Scott (The Office)
Hallmark characteristics of a toxic work environment. Do any of these sound familiar:
- Laziness
- forbidden to speak up (or standing up) to power/authority figures
- Favoritism / special treatment
- Lack of vision for company/unit/team
- Disrespect
- Gossip/drama/infighting
- Lack of diversity
- Hoarding knowledge
- Unteachable attitudes (the classic “know-it-all”)
- Lack of appreciation
- Pessimism
- Incivility and acceptance of it
These negative characteristics create an environment filled with fear, bitterness, lack of trust, anger, decreased productivity, and not to mention deep and pervasive unhappiness and dissatisfaction. In turn, it takes a toll on the human spirit.
Surviving the swim by the power of positivity
“If you are positive, you will see opportunities instead of obstacles” — Confucius
Healthy, positive work environments appear to be the unicorns of the working world. In an article by Dr. Elizabeth Cabrera titled “the six essentials of workplace positivity”, she notes the following six elements are essential to a better work environment, including positive thinking, positive relationships, strengths, empowerment, meaning, and well-being. I agree with her.
Here’s why:
- You can not think negative, and expect positive results. It does not work that way (in anything in life).
- Positive relationships are those which are built on trust and mutual respect. If trust and respect are void, negativity can quickly settle in.
- When people use their natural talents and abilities, they are tapping into their strengths and potential. Everyone has different and unique strengths and capabilities. When they are utilized in the best possible manner, happiness and positive outcomes are right around the corner.
- In a positive work environment, people are empowered. They want to be successful at achieving their goals. They want to contribute to the greater good. People want to be needed.
- People want meaningful work. They want to know their contributions matter. This leads to a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. This leads to a deeper connection with not only their own self but to their positive surroundings as well.
- When coworkers/colleagues genuinely value your well-being, a positive work environment ensues. When you value your own well-being, you are contributing to the positive work environment. By valuing your own well-being, essentially you are doing what you need to do in order to be healthy and take care of yourself.
Characteristics typically found in a positive work environment include:
- Increased productivity
- Happier employees
- Fun, rewarding work
- Increased communication
- Increased commitment and retention
- High functioning teamwork and collaboration
- Active listening with open dialogue (a judgment-free zone, if you will).
People in positive work environments also exhibit gratitude! They are grateful for their opportunities, their team, the environment, and even what lies ahead in the unknown future. Gratitude sets the environment up for long-term success and growth.
Be thankful, for you may be one of the few humans who love their job.
Can’t we all just get along?
Transforming a negative environment into a positive one is not an overnight endeavor.
It takes time, patience, commitment, and hard work. It takes accountability. It takes massive teamwork, and everyone wanting to strive for better surroundings. It takes effective, transformational leadership.
There will be highs. There will be lows. There will be lulls. But if everyone strives to achieve the same results, the uphill climb won’t be so bad.
It will take a change of attitude from one of “I have to go to work and I hate my job” to one of “I want to go to work because I truly love what I do”. While that can be arduous on most days, it is not impossible. It’s about perspective. It’s about mindset. It’s about your outlook.
Change the tape you play in your mind, and listen to a different tune.
Never let the Deb Downers win. When the Deb Downers win, that is when a good environment turns sideways. Nobody wants to be in the upside-down (Stranger Things reference there).
Your reaction makes an impact as well. If at all possible, limit your interaction (avoid completely, if possible) with negative Nellies. Whether they are co-workers, family/friends, or both. Once you start entertaining that monster, Lord only knows what level of hell you will be dragged down to.
I get it. Not every human is going to be positive or even have an optimistic attitude. Not every experience is going to work out, and that’s okay too.
It’s about progress… not perfection.
Having a positive outlook and mindset can lead to survival when swimming in the shark tank. The predators will sink their jaws into other vulnerable prey.
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