Fail-Proof Ways To Stay Positive In A Toxic Workplace

Fail-Proof Ways To Stay Positive In A Toxic Workplace At one point or another, fruchtwein people have found themselves working in a less than ideal environment. Maybe its a manager, a peer, or the teams values or vision thats bothersome, or maybe theres simply a gnawing feeling that something is wrong.I asked my students in the Career Preparation course I teach at the Quinlan School of Business at Loyola University Chicago how many of them have ever had a bad boss or toxic colleague (or classmate). Over 90% raised their hands. Over 90% of these undergraduate students have already experienced this.Theres a lot we need to do as a culture to improve the workplace, and while generally speaking the workplace at large is moving in a mora empathetic, positive direction, toxic environments leise exist. So what can you do to remain positive if you find yourself in this type of situation?What is a toxic work environment?Summarily, a toxic work environment that hinders growth and progress and i s generally an unpleasant place to work. It may have some or all of the following qualities Unrealistic expectations Unreasonably long hours Poor management Management that overdelegates to employees No freedom Gossip A lack of transparency A culture that humiliates or berates certain people or groups of peopleRead 8 Ways A Toxic Corporate Culture Can Sabotage Your Success for more signs of a toxic workplace.How to stay positive in a toxic workplaceHere are 7 things to do to stay positive in a toxic work culture1. Find a compatriot.We feel it, were told it, and the research supports it friends matter. Having someone were close with at work helps up (of course, like any other human interaction, negative relationships can ensue too), but having people in your corner, who get you, and understand your circumstancegood or bad, is extremely helpful in the workplace. This can be even truer when you are in a less than ideal environment. Having at least one friend at work when times are toug h can be what makes or breaks you staying at the firm, or remaining sane while you look for whats next.2. Talk with someone.Maybe your workplace is small or you dont connect with your colleagues, or maybe you simply dont have a work BFF, and thats part of the problem You dont need to communicate your concerns or uneasiness with colleagues but you do need to communicate it to someone. Talk with a friend, a family member, therapist, coachsomeone. One of the worst things to do when youre in the middle of a toxic work environment is to keep it to yourself. This breeds the mental reactions also bred by gas lighting (which can be a symptom of a toxic environment)Youll begin to wonder if youre the problem. Talking with someone will help you deduce fact from fiction.3. Take breaks and use your PTOWisely.You have PTO and a lunch break for a reason. All humans require downtime, space, and simply stopping for a moment. You need this even more if youre a toxic environment. Its nice to dart off to a tropical island to rechargeand if you can and thats what you want, you should But if you cant take an extended vacation or short trip out of town thats okay toofind small ways to take breaks daily. Leave your desk for lunch. Go on a 5-minute walk alone. Walk to the ladies room and stay for a moment longer. Even the busiest of days at the most demanding companies there are ways to find a moment for you.4. Exercise.Theres a reason exercise is almost always on the list of any recommendations for maintaining sanity, composure, and happiness. This is because what exercise does for the mind and body is really remarkable. Whether its yoga that helps you get centered, an intense spin class that makes you focus on nothing else for 45 minutes, a brisk walk, or anything in betweenmoving your body will help you cope, stay positive, and react more rationally. Bonus if you can do it during a break during the day.5. Set goals.Goal setting is one of the most effective tactics for personal and professional growth. Its powerful in long-term movement but also with managing day-to-day work. If youre struggling to remain positive use this tactic. From a short-term approach, set small, micro-goals. Maybe youll commit to catching yourself each time you abflug slipping into a negative thought, youll organize a happy hour within the next 3 weeks, or youll make it a point to have lunch with 2 new peers. If youre struggling to determine where your role at this toxic company fits into your larger career, use goals too. Consider things like What are you hoping to accomplish from this role? What are your limits?Its important to set personal goals that are yours alone so you can decide whats best for you regarding staying or going. I firmly believe in the power of goal setting, but also believe it is deeply personal and therefore does not have t fit a certain mold. What does need to happen in regards to goal setting and establishing limits at a company youre not your best self at, is t o do it. 6. Establish and honor your limits.If youve done all these things and your situation still feels unbearable or unfixable, that might be because it is. If youve found ways to cope, brought positivity to work, taken breaks and taken care of yourself, established short and long-term goals to propel yourself forward, but still have determined this is not a good environment for youhonor that. Have an honest conversation with yourself, even better if you can do it with someone else.7. If you want to leave, develop a strategy.Maybe youd set some goals or established a limit and realize its time to move on. Maybe youre not there quite yet, but there comes in a time for anyone who finds herself in a toxic work environment when you think to yourself, Should I leave? Sometimes the answer is no, but sometimes the answer is yes. When the answer is yes, it is up to you to take action.I used to be shocked when my clients would tell me theyve been in a toxic work environratgeber simply pai nstakingly unhappyfor years. Now, I realize how common it is, but also that its fixable. Of course, sometimes there are reasons why you cant just up and leave a job, but if you are unhappy, if you are in a toxic environment, if you want and are ready for something differentyou must come up with and execute a strategy to move yourself forward. This will not just happen to you. That last piece is important and much too frequently goes ignoredyou are responsible for you and you must take your career and life into your own hands. If you decide you need to leave the team, a specific manager, the company, the city, the state, the countrywhatever, Im telling you that it is possible but you will need to work hard for it.How? Connect with yourself and your wants, talk with a mentor or a trusted friend, or hire a coach if you need someone objective and outside your network. Come up with a game plan and go.Next StepsNegative work environments are real and can wreak havoc on all aspects of your life. But they dont have to Find the techniques to remain positive and productive that work for you, and be honest with yourself if its time for a change. Your family, friends, and your future-self will thank you.So, whats the next step? Here are some ways to keep your cool or move on if the time has come. 7 Reasons People Who Practice Zen Meditation Have An Advantage At the OfficeMeditation has benefits for your whole life, and if your workplace is an issue, it can be an especially helpful addition to your routine. Plus, as this article shows, it can give your career a boost. The 26 Best Job Search Websites to KnowIf youre hoping to leave your job, the best strategy is to nail down a new opportunity. These sites may have just the job for you. People Who Quit Their Jobs Gracefully Make Sure They Do These 6 ThingsSomtimes, enough is enough. Take these steps to leave your toxic work environment without burning any bridges.___Jane Scudder is a certified coach, facilitator, and workpla ce leadership consultant based in Chicago, IL. She helps individuals and group navigate their careers, teams, and personal lives. Find out more atjanescudder.com.