You're dealing with a toxic work environment. How can you develop resilience?

1 Assess your situation

The first step to developing resilience is to understand the root causes and effects of the toxicity in your work environment. You can use a systems thinking approach, which involves looking at the big picture, identifying the interrelationships and feedback loops among the elements of the system, and recognizing the patterns and dynamics that influence the system's behavior. For example, you can map out the sources of conflict, stress, or negativity in your work environment, such as poor leadership, unrealistic expectations, lack of communication, or unethical practices. You can also analyze how the toxicity affects your performance, health, and satisfaction, as well as the impact on your colleagues, customers, and stakeholders.

2 Set boundaries and goals

The next step to developing resilience is to establish clear and realistic boundaries and goals for yourself and your work. You can use a systems engineering approach, which involves defining the requirements, specifications, and constraints of the system, and designing a solution that meets them. For example, you can set boundaries for what you can and cannot control, accept, or tolerate in your work environment, such as your workload, schedule, responsibilities, or interactions. You can also set goals for what you want to achieve, learn, or improve in your work, such as your skills, knowledge, or outcomes.

4 Monitor and evaluate your progress

The fourth step to developing resilience is to track and measure your progress and outcomes, and identify any gaps or issues that need to be addressed. You can use a systems analysis approach, which involves collecting, processing, and interpreting data and information about the system, and evaluating its performance, efficiency, and effectiveness. For example, you can monitor and evaluate your progress and outcomes by using indicators and metrics such as your feedback, results, achievements, satisfaction, or well-being. You can also identify any gaps or issues that need to be resolved, such as new or emerging challenges, risks, or opportunities.

5 Adapt and improve your approach

The fifth step to developing resilience is to adapt and improve your approach based on your feedback and evaluation, and apply the lessons learned to your future actions. You can use a systems improvement approach, which involves reviewing, testing, and refining the system, and implementing changes and enhancements that improve its quality, functionality, and value. For example, you can adapt and improve your approach by using techniques such as root cause analysis, problem solving, decision making, or innovation. You can also apply the lessons learned to your future actions by using methods such as reflection, learning, or feedback loops.

6 Celebrate your achievements and growth

The final step to developing resilience is to celebrate your achievements and growth, and acknowledge the efforts and contributions that you and others have made to cope with and overcome the toxicity in your work environment. You can use a systems appreciation approach, which involves recognizing, rewarding, and motivating the system's stakeholders, and fostering a positive and collaborative culture. For example, you can celebrate your achievements and growth by using practices such as gratitude, recognition, praise, or celebration. You can also acknowledge the efforts and contributions of others by using actions such as appreciation, support, or collaboration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?