Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
How best do you deal with toxic environments or toxic co-workers. Is it best to leave that department or that company all together, or should one stay and deal with the issues head on? Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Whew, this is a tough one, Marcus. The problem with toxic behavior or a toxic environment is that it more than likely will not change. Unless that cause (individual or individuals) move on, the toxicity will perpetuate.
I was in a similar environment years ago. While it was not all bad, and not something I had to encounter or deal with on a regular basis, the dark cloud was always there. The hesitation before sending communication afraid it would be misconstrued or twisted. The trepidation that person would walk around the corner and interact.
I ended up moving on from the company. It was the right move and time. I refuse to feel constrained simply b/c I fear making a change.
I don't know if my story helps. While I cannot recommend a course of action for you or others, I can at least share my experience and viewpoint. Saving Changes...
Speak up! I did it when no one expected it when I found that everyone is getting hurt and not only me. In reality, everyone knows about it but no one says anything :)
It takes courage and leadership but when you do it you see how many people were waiting for this person to take the initiative. don't think that you are alone. You will be if you keep silent and you end up leaving the company, or not but with a haunted mind.
Whatever it happens after that, you will see that the feeling is amazing and you would be really proud of yourself and an example for others.
In my case, the top management supported me as I had proofs and they were not aware of the situation. I really appreciated the actions they took afterward and in preventing similar stuff.
Good luck!
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1 reply by Dianna Belluscio
Jun 18, 2020 8:51 AM
Dianna Belluscio
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In my case I was let go. But I could not let it go any longer without speaking up. It was a risk that I was aware of...basically I worked for a bully and I stood up to the person , a "C" level.
Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Something is toxic if you feel it is. My advice is leave it because something behave in a way because the organization/company demand it. "one is one and his circumstances" as the wisdom said. Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
@Andrew, @Soha, @Sergio, very valuable points. This should help immensely. Much appreciated.
I feel you are at the best position to take a correct decision.
If you have enough influence and possibility to drive a change, than as a leader you should give it a try. If you feel that it is not an option then better to change your own path.
I have written a short article on organization politics some time back, it could of your interest here.
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
@Tarun, many thanks. Good advice. And, excellent article. Appreciate the link.
Marcus Saving Changes...
Jonathan LeeBusiness Development Manager| Symphony Communication Services LLCSingapore, Singapore, Singapore
It's truly a difficult situation to be in, even more so if you're someone junior. Acting on it isn't always straightforward and there are risks involved.
Have found myself in a similar situation, but choosing whom to speak up to and when are not easy decisions to make. Saving Changes...
Eric SimmsSenior Program ManagerBaltimore, Maryland, United States
If you're sure that the organization's Upper Management knows about the toxicity yet does nothing to address it, then you have no recourse to resolve the situation, and it's best to leave if you can. My personal view is that the toll exacted on a person's mental and physical health by a toxic environment isn't worth any price. Saving Changes...
Marcus UdokangProject Manager| Aivaz ConsultingCalgary, Alberta, Canada
@Jonathan, @Eric, appreciate your views. Much thanks.
Marcus Saving Changes...
Kimberly McCoyProject Manager| TekSystems - ContractorZanesville, Oh, United States
I have been in these situations, and honestly I would say it depends on how toxic things are. I thought it was just a co-worker or two, so I went to management to talk things over and that ended up being the worst decision I made because it was truly a work environment that was the toxic part. I eventually left, but remember you need to do what is best for you. Trust your gut when making the decision. There is no reason for being unhappy in your place of work. Saving Changes...
