Toxic Teams, Toxic Organizations, Toxic Leaders – HELP!

So, what are you thinking about these days?  Are you “back to work as normal” – still in quarantine, or working from home?

Not matter where you are and what you do, you may be affected by toxic work-places, even if they are virtual.

So, what are some of the symptoms of toxic teams/leaders and organizations?

Social ranking: what I mean here, is not the traditional team/ organization hierarchy, but who is “important” is based on how socially and emotionally close you are to the leadership.

“in” and “out” groups- this means some people are closer to the leadership and get more information (power), more benefits, etc.  The out group is not “in the loop”.  Need I say more?

No discussion, no open communication – people cannot disagree with the leadership, with the policies of the organization. Change is very difficult.

Group think:  in contrast to a healthy company culture, this is “how we always think”- not to be confused with how things are usually done and what our values are.

Secrets are kept- “I see nothing, I share nothing, This conversation hasn’t happened…”

People are discouraged from thinking for themselves.

There is unhealthy control, pressure, coercion, manipulation from above and sometimes, even laterally from team members

Leadership tends to be one “charismatic” person, not a group or a team

Do you have these kinds of work issues? Oops! What can you do?

Document every little thing.

Protect yourself as much as you can and try to set some healthy boundaries.  At least take a sabbatical or leave of absence.

IF nothing works, get out before you burn out!

So, just in case, what does burnout look like?

·      Frequent (stress or not related) illnesses

·      A recently acquired bad attitude (especially about work, but about life in general)

·      Tired- physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally

·      Cannot slow down when you go away, when you have weekends, vacation (not able to rest)

·      Working harder and being less productive

·      No more joy – more anger – OR – less emotion, totally (BLAH)

·      Relationships are less meaningful or strained

Any “pings” on these “symptoms”?

I sure hope not- but if yes, contact me.

Until next time I wish you a healthy and a VERY non-toxic week!

Patricia Jehle   patricia@jehle-coaching.com