Ask the Coach - March 20th
By: Merrill Pierce
Dear Coach,
My workplace is almost toxic due to gossip and the attitudes of my co-workers. It’s bad enough I’ve considered leaving my job - but I love the work. How can I help improve the situation at work so I’m less miserable?
As the saying goes…” One bad apple spoils the bunch”. Sadly, this is absolutely true in an office environment as well.
Some of my clients have described an experience of a sinking feeling in the pit of their stomachs by the time Sunday night rolls around – mostly due to toxic work environments. The problem is more common than you may think.
The good news is there are ways to mitigate the stress caused by working in a toxic environment.
Try any of the following tips and if nothing works, you may want to consider a move.
1) Leave your work stress at the door – as often as you may feel the need – venting to your partner, roommate becomes the centerpiece of every conversation and perpetuates bad feelings in you. Be aware of how often this negativity takes hold of your conversations and re-direct to something positive.
2) Don’t stoop to the toxic colleague’s level – Walk away, do not engage, and certainly do not reward this bad behaviour by becoming a part of it. Once the person who is responsible (gossip etc.) realizes you aren’t going to take part in her bad-mouthing, negative gossip they will look elsewhere for a receptive audience.
3) Speak with management about how this behaviour is impacting the culture and ultimately productivity. Without pointing fingers, you can clearly articulate that certain situation have and are creating discourse amongst the team. Bringing it to the attention of the leaders should be a call to action on their part.
4) Look for the positive co-workers – associate with those who do not engage in behaviours that impact you negatively. Even if it seems like most of the folks you deal with have toxic tendencies or have been allowed to get away with this negative behaviour, chances are there at least a few folks who are feeling the same way you are.
5) Learn how to confront issues head-on – if tensions have reached a breaking point, it may be time to address the issue head on. In stressful situations, its often challenging to say all the things you want to, so practice how to deliver the information. – There is a terrific book that teaches how to manage these tricky situations. Fierce Conversation’s -Susan Scott
6) Finally, if it gets too much and there is little or no end in sight as management refuses to address the issues, you move need to consider leaving your job or switching departments.
We spend far too much time and energy at work to find ourselves feeling bullied or having to work in an environment that is not healthy. Consider what is important to you.
All the best,
Merrill
