Breaking Free from Toxic Leadership: How Coaching Can Transform Your Career and Wellbeing

I recently worked with a client exploring their next career move within their current company. As we delved into their options, I noticed a shift—a growing tension each time their colleagues came up in conversation. This wasn’t the first time I’d observed it during our sessions. Trusting my instincts as a coach, I gently pointed it out, carefully remaining open and non-judgmental. That simple observation opened the floodgates. Though I didn’t intend to provoke such a strong reaction, it became clear that this was a pivotal moment. The underlying issue of working in a toxic environment was weighing heavily on them, not just professionally but emotionally, holding them back from moving forward in their career journey. They had been silently carrying the burden of that toxic culture for too long.

Unfortunately, this situation is not unique. A 2021 survey by MIT Sloan Management Review found that a toxic corporate culture is the most significant predictor of employee attrition, with employees 10.4 times more likely to leave their jobs due to toxic workplace environments than issues like compensation. This is a powerful reminder of how workplace culture can affect career progression and personal well-being.

Recognising the impact of toxicity is one thing, but navigating through it requires a thoughtful, strategic approach. Here are three key steps that can help individuals regain control in these environments:

1. Acknowledge the Problem

The first step in navigating a toxic work environment is acknowledging its existence. It’s easy to normalise dysfunction and blame oneself for feeling burnt out or drained. Encouraging clients to recognise the signs of toxicity—lack of support, favouritism, micromanagement, or undermining behaviour—helps them validate their experiences. I often ask my clients to reflect on how their workplace makes them feel. Is it energising or depleting? This awareness is critical in creating a roadmap for change.

Studies have consistently shown that toxic work environments lead to chronic stress, which affects both physical and mental health. According to research published in the Journal of Organisational Behaviour, exposure to toxic leadership significantly increases employees’ risk of burnout, anxiety, and depression. Acknowledging this impact is liberating and the first step toward addressing it.

2. Team Intervention

In some cases, toxic environments stem from poor communication or unresolved team conflicts. Team interventions can serve as a powerful tool to address these dynamics. I’ve facilitated several interventions with teams to foster open dialogue and rebuild trust. When done right, these interventions create a space for transparency, where individuals can voice their concerns without fear of retaliation. The impact is often transformative—people feel heard, teams align around shared values, and it can even spark cultural change across the organisation.

Team interventions are particularly effective when leadership is willing to address the root causes of dysfunction. Research from the Harvard Business Review highlights that team coaching and interventions can improve psychological safety by up to 35%, leading to better engagement and performance.

3. Establish Boundaries and Self-Care

Setting boundaries is essential for protecting well-being in a toxic environment. Toxicity often blurs personal and professional lines, leading to emotional exhaustion. I work with clients to create strategies for detachment—both mentally and physically. This could involve setting clear work-life boundaries, seeking external support (EAP or a Coach), or even considering alternative employment options.

It’s essential to recognise that disengaging from the toxicity doesn’t mean passively accepting it. Instead, it’s about finding ways to preserve one’s energy while navigating through it. Self-care practices like mindfulness, regular breaks, and therapy also become critical tools in reclaiming mental and emotional health. A recent study by the American Psychological Association revealed that self-care techniques significantly reduce the adverse effects of stress and burnout in the workplace, especially in high-pressure environments.

Reporting Toxic Behavior

Beyond personal strategies, reporting toxic behaviours to senior leadership or HR is crucial. This step can be daunting, especially in environments that lack psychological safety, but it’s essential for long-term cultural change. Harmful behaviours will likely persist without awareness, affecting the individual and the entire team. I’ve guided many clients through this process, helping them prepare documentation, articulate their concerns, and confidently navigate corporate channels.

Research from Gallup highlights that when toxic behaviours go unreported, they reduce employee engagement and increase turnover rates. Organisations that fail to address toxic leadership experience productivity losses of up to 20%, according to studies by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). Speaking up is a necessary step toward breaking the cycle.

How Can I Help You - Take Action

If you’re facing challenges in a toxic work environment—whether as an individual or part of a team—I’m here to help. We can address these issues head-on through tailored interventions or one-on-one coaching and work toward positive change. Feel free to reach out to me via LinkedIn.