Imagine a workplace where fear silences voices, creativity is stifled, and productivity plummets. This is the reality for many workplaces, and the source of the toxicity might be closer than you think.
While countless articles and books offer guidance on navigating toxic colleagues and bosses, few encourage us to turn the mirror inward. Could you be contributing to the problem? Could you be the source of the toxicity?
It's easy to point fingers at others, but true change begins with self-reflection. Last month on World Mental Health Day, the theme of ‘Mental Health at Work’ highlighted the urgent need to address well-being in our workplaces.
But beyond awareness days and slogans, we must assess our own contributions to the problem. Let's explore some critical signs that might reveal if you, as a leader, are inadvertently fostering a toxic atmosphere:
Signs of toxic persons at workplaces
Do people resort to half-truths around you? If your team members often share half-truths or outright lies when you seek answers, they may feel uncomfortable being honest with you.
This is a sign that, as a leader, you may need to build confidence in your team and create an environment where people feel safe to express themselves openly.
Do you instil fear? If people avoid your presence or seem fearful around you, it may be a sign that your approach feels intimidating or unapproachable.
Leadership is not about exerting authority through threats; assignments should be clearly communicated, with expectations outlined constructively.
If your communication style relies on threats or criticism, your staff will be afraid of you and this will hinder productivity and innovation among them, thereby reducing their effectiveness.
Is work often incomplete or poorly done? If assignments are consistently poorly executed or incomplete, it could point to low morale or lack of clarity in your team.
Overloaded schedules or lack of resources may also contribute. As a leader, ensuring your team is well supported, properly trained, and has clear direction is crucial for high-quality work and excellence.
Is there constant conflict or mistrust? A workplace rife with conflict and mistrust reflects ineffective leadership. If teams are constantly at odds, it signals a lack of cohesion and a failure to foster collaboration. Leaders must be skilled mediators, promoting unity and resolving conflicts constructively.
Do you exhibit favouritism? Favouritism is a subtle but common toxic trait. It can appear as favouring certain team members while ignoring others.
Those who are overlooked suffer from loss of confidence, which leads to demotivation, further perpetuating a cycle of discontent and disengagement. Effective leaders should value each team member and provide opportunities for everyone to shine.
How do you handle feedback? How do you respond to feedback, especially critical feedback? Traditionally, people in leadership did not see the need to include all the staff in institutional decisions; it was a preserve of those in management.
Further, there were no avenues for staff to give feedback or air their grievances. In today’s workplace, however, communication should flow both ways. Dismissing feedback, especially critical feedback, creates a toxic environment where voices are silenced.
Communication channels should be top- down and bottom-up to strengthen team trust. Leaders must actively solicit feedback and create channels for open dialogue.
Do you micromanage? Micromanagement is a productivity killer. Constantly monitoring every detail and second-guessing your team's decisions creates an oppressive atmosphere and stifles growth. Leaders should trust their employees to do their jobs, providing autonomy and fostering a sense of ownership.
Do you recognise team achievements? Celebrating wins, both big and small, is crucial for boosting morale and motivation. Recognising individual and team accomplishments fosters a sense of value and encourages continued excellence. It also helps employees build a sense of allegiance to the company, motivating them to continue great work.
Creating a better workplace
Our workplaces are where we spend a significant part of our lives, making it crucial to ensure they are positive, productive environments.
A healthy workplace boosts productivity, sparks creativity, reduces turnover, and enhances job satisfaction, thereby fostering well-being and fulfilment.
Practising self-awareness and identifying any toxic tendencies within ourselves is the first step to improving workplace culture. If you recognise any of the toxic tendencies in yourself, steps like practising empathy, improving communication, or seeking coaching or therapy can make a difference.
The future of work depends on leaders who prioritise well-being and psychological safety. Are you ready to be that leader? Let's commit to examining our own behaviours and building environments where everyone can thrive.
