Do you consider yourself to be in a toxic work culture? If so, my advice is to refuse to be a victim. In this clip, I’ll explain what I mean.
When I was asked to share my perspective on toxic work culture, I was happy to explain why I don’t believe such a thing exists. The term has been overused. I see it as an expression that needs to be discarded.
Why?
Because it encourages people to take on a victim mentality.
It’s actually a great victim mentality test!
The degree to which you will argue your problems are because of a toxic culture is the degree to which you have resigned yourself to being a victim.
Professionals who put themselves in the role of victim have completely given away their power.
Because, if you think the problem lies in other people, what’s happening around you, or the culture you are working in, you are not acknowledging YOUR power to make change.
And, let me make it clear, YOU are more powerful than you realize!
Take your power back and refuse to be a victim.
While it may be true that there are people in your company or organization who need to learn some skills and/or grow in different ways, it’s also true that every culture has some good people.
There is no such thing as a 100% toxic work culture.
So, instead of pointing fingers outside yourself, stop and take a moment to ask what YOU can do to make the situation better.
Here are some hints:
- YOU are the creator of your reality.
- YOU can implement designs and processes that work for you.
- YOU can speak your mind (with grace, style, and tact, of course).
- YOU can initiate conversations that lead to positive change.
- YOU can choose to collaborate with others.
- YOU can become part of the solution, not just for yourself, but for everyone else in your organization.
… And all it takes is for YOU to refuse to be a victim.
Is your work situation frustrating you? Do you hate your job, but have no idea what to do instead? Attempting to navigate those waters without support is not fun (yes, I do know, but that’s another story). I’m excited to announce that I’ve created The Job I Love Toolkit, with all the resources you’ll need to finally clarify how to get paid to do you.TM To be the first to hear more details, join the VIP Wait List.
And if you know a friend or neighbor who could use hearing the advice in this article or needs The Job I Love Toolkit, please forward this to them.