Navigating the Challenges of Toxic Management: Creating a 3R Culture

Overall, 87% of professionals say they have been under the tutelage of a toxic manager, and 30% have had this experience with more than one manager.

Toxic management is far too common in the workplace, according to a new survey.

According to the report from FlexJobs, managers who are deemed toxic by their workers:

• are “poor communicators” (43%)
• act “dismissively” (41%)
• are “micromanaging” (40%)
• exhibit passive-aggressive behavior (40%)
• fail to foster growth (34%)
• are rude or offensive; used sarcasm and put-downs (33%)
• had unreasonable expectations (30%)

In my years as a human resources professional, I've encountered my fair share of challenging situations, but few are as complex and impactful as dealing with a toxic manager. The detrimental effects of such behaviour on a team can be profound, leading to decreased morale, increased turnover, and ultimately, a significant drop in productivity.

Drawing from these experiences, I've dedicated a considerable part of my career to finding effective solutions for creating healthier workplace cultures. Through trial, error, and continuous learning, I've identified a three-pronged approach that I believe offers a promising path forward. At AI Capability it is called our Realign, Rebuild, Revive (3R) Programme. Our unique approach has three clear goals:

The Realign, Rebuild, Revive (3R) Programme at AI Capability is specifically designed to address the challenges posed by toxic management in the workplace, as highlighted by a FlexJobs survey. This innovative programme focuses on:

Realigning Values and Behaviour: It starts with realigning the core values and behaviours of individuals and teams to ensure alignment with organisational goals and healthy workplace dynamics.

Rebuilding Relationships and Trust: Central to the programme is the effort to rebuild relationships and trust within teams, crucial for fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Reviving Overall Culture: The ultimate goal is to revive the workplace culture, transforming it into a positive, productive, and engaging environment for all employees.

Incorporating tools like the Hogan Ecosystem, Assessments, and 360 feedback, the programme aims to establish clear development goals, facilitating personal and organisational growth amidst challenges.

Leveraging AI for Early Detection

The first part of the solution involves harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify potential issues before they escalate. AI can analyze vast amounts of data, from employee feedback and communication patterns to performance metrics, to spot the early signs of toxic behavior. This proactive approach allows us to address issues at their nascent stage, often before they become apparent to HR or upper management. Implementing AI tools can help us monitor workplace sentiment in real-time, providing a more dynamic and responsive approach to managing organisational health.

AI can focus on several key areas to detect a toxic culture and toxic management practices:

• Communication Patterns: Analysing email, chat, and meeting transcripts for signs of negativity, harassment, or inappropriate language.
• Sentiment Analysis: Using natural language processing (NLP) to gauge the sentiment of internal communications and feedback surveys, identifying widespread dissatisfaction or demoralisation.
• Employee Feedback: Examining patterns in employee feedback, exit interviews, and engagement surveys to identify common complaints related to management practices and workplace environment.
• Turnover Rates: Monitoring turnover rates and resignation patterns to pinpoint departments or teams with unusually high attrition, which could indicate underlying issues.
• Workload Analysis: Assessing work distribution and overtime data to identify overburdened teams or unrealistic expectations from management.
• Social Media and Online Forums: Scanning for mentions of the company on social media and professional forums that may highlight public perceptions of its culture.
• Engagement Levels: Tracking engagement metrics through internal tools to detect areas of low participation or motivation, often a sign of disengagement due to toxic conditions.

By focusing on these areas, AI can provide objective insights that help companies address toxic culture and management practices effectively.

Comprehensive Analysis and Development with Hogan Assessments

Once a potential issue is identified, the next step involves a deeper dive into understanding the dynamics at play. This is where Hogan Assessments become invaluable. By evaluating the personality and behavior of both the manager in question and their team, Hogan Assessments offer insights into the root causes of the toxic dynamics. This might include identifying personality traits or stressors that contribute to the manager's detrimental behavior, as well as assessing the team's resilience and response to such behavior.

Armed with this understanding, we can tailor development programs that address the specific needs of the manager and their team. This might involve coaching for the manager to develop more constructive leadership styles, alongside team-building initiatives to strengthen communication and collaboration within the team.

Ensuring Lasting Change with 360-Degree Feedback

To gauge the effectiveness of these interventions and ensure lasting change, I recommend conducting a 360-degree feedback session approximately six months after the initial development phase. This comprehensive feedback mechanism allows for the assessment of behavioral changes from a variety of perspectives, including peers, subordinates, and supervisors. The insights gained from this feedback provide a clear picture of the progress made and highlight areas that may require further attention.

This approach—combining the early detection capabilities of AI with the in-depth analysis and development opportunities offered by Hogan Assessments, and followed by a rigorous evaluation through 360-degree feedback—offers a structured and effective strategy for addressing toxic management behaviours.

Get Started Today

Creating a healthy workplace culture is an ongoing journey that requires commitment, flexibility, and the willingness to embrace innovative solutions. As HR professionals, we are at the forefront of this challenge, equipped with the tools and technologies to make a real difference. By adopting a proactive and comprehensive approach to managing and developing people, we can transform toxic environments into thriving, productive communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Working with AI Capability means committing to a transformative journey towards creating a healthier workplace culture. We are at the cutting edge of HR technology and strategy, ready to guide you through the complexities of modern workplace challenges with our innovative solutions. Embrace the opportunity to turn toxic environments into flourishing communities, where every individual can achieve success. Join us in leading the charge towards a more productive, engaged, and positive workplace future.

We have a unique approach to creating a positive and sustainable culture book a call today and hear how we can help.