These days, it seems like everyone has a juicy horror story to share about a dreadful boss, a backstabbing colleague, or a workplace that feels straight out of a teen movie. However, the latest research suggests that toxic workplaces—those that pit employees against one another, foster negativity and bullying and harassment, and prioritize productivity at all costs—are shockingly common. According to a recent report by the American Psychological Association, a whopping one in five workers describe their workplaces as toxic.
Research has proven that the single most common cause of a toxic workplace is (no surprise here) the top of the ladder. If the boss is self-absorbed, overbearing, or unrealistic in his or her demands, the level below them tends to follow suit. Studies show that it produces a trickle-down effect that usually spreads like an insidious virus, resulting in an unsustainable culture with high levels of stress, turnover, and infighting.
But if you can’t change your leader, is there anything you can do to combat a toxic work environment? If you ask our founder and Chief Optimist, Simon Sinek, the answer is definitely yes.
Read on for some of the ways Simon suggests you can take matters into your own hands and fight back against a poor working environment. And if you’re interested in learning some smart ways to create a better culture, you’ll find popular classes such as “Build Trusting Teams” and “How to Build a Culture Where Everyone Matters” in our Optimism Library.
Tip #1: Rally to Your Colleagues’ Defense
If negative energy originates from the top and permeates downwards, it’s crucial not to perpetuate it. Break the cycle, take initiative, and fill the void in leadership within your company. Even if you don’t hold a managerial position, that doesn’t mean you can’t embody the qualities of an effective leader—or more specifically, the leader you wish you had.
According to Simon, “Leadership has nothing to do with rank.” He emphasizes that many individuals in high-level positions lack true leadership qualities. While they may possess authority, their subordinates are not inspired to follow them. Leadership can manifest at any level within an organization.
If you notice a coworker struggling with a task that you are well-versed in, don’t simply leave them to fend for themselves. Take the time to sit down with them and demonstrate how to tackle it. Your superiors may not offer this help, but by stepping up and providing support, you can reduce friction within your workplace. Consider it an added bonus that you’ll start a virtuous cycle in which your colleagues start to help one another.
Tip #2: Ask Your Colleagues to Review Your Work
According to Simon, assistance should be a two-way street. “Remember, building trust is not just about offering help, but also about asking for help,” Simon says. “As a leader, you can also encourage those around you to lend a hand.”
Even if you don’t necessarily need assistance with a specific task, there are still ways to make your colleagues feel valued. After completing an assignment, ask a coworker to review your work. By doing so, you are expressing confidence in their abilities. You are demonstrating that you appreciate their skills and trust their judgment, treating them with the same level of respect you would expect for yourself.
“Allow them to feel empowered to assist others,” Simon explained. “Over time, you will establish a level of trust within your team, and they will see you as someone who supports them.”
Tip #3: Do the Little Things (Over and Over)
The most effective way to eliminate toxicity in your workplace is to lead by example. And just like any other skill, leadership requires practice to improve.
“Make it a habit to consider the well-being of others,” Simon advised. “It’s the small acts of kindness, where you prioritize the lives of those around you, sometimes even before your own, and are willing to invest time and energy to assist them.”
Finished the coffee? Take a moment to refill it. Hold the elevator for someone, even if it means being slightly late to a meeting.
“If you want to ride a bicycle, you have to practice to become good at it,” Simon explained. “Leadership follows the same principle.”
