WorkCookie - Get Ahead with Industrial/Organizational Psychology in the Workplace Ep. 248 - Toxic Workplaces, People, and Environments
Mar 24, 2025
Lee Crowson, a seasoned consultant with military experience, shares his personal encounters with toxic supervisors, underlining the significance of seeking help in such environments. Nic Krueger, a food service professional, discusses proactive strategies for mitigating toxicity in restaurants. They explore various forms of workplace toxicity, the importance of clear communication, and the need for psychological safety. Listeners are enlightened on tackling toxic leadership and fostering a healthier, more supportive workplace culture.
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Document, Escalate, and Limit Exposure
- Confront toxic leaders with documentation and use organizational channels when possible.
- Seek trustworthy allies, limit exposure, and escalate through HR or whistleblower routes if needed.
Personal Well-Being Buffers Toxicity
- Psychological well-being (self-acceptance and autonomy) buffers employees against toxic environments.
- Individuals with stronger internal locus of control are less susceptible to organizational toxicity.
Fix Ambiguity With Roles, Meetings, Mission
- Reduce ambiguity with clear role descriptions, regular staff meetings, and a team mission or values statement.
- Encourage healthy boundaries and reinforce respectful behaviors to prevent culture drift into toxicity.
