To spot toxic positivity in your boss, look out for the following three red flags:
- Over-reliance on Positivity:A boss who practices toxic positivity may insist on maintaining an overly optimistic outlook, even when faced with challenging circumstances. They may believe that merely acting happy or thinking positively will change the situation, and then spread this mindset to their team.
- Disregard for Root Causes:By focusing solely on maintaining a positive attitude, a toxic boss overlooks the underlying issues that contribute to the stressful or dysfunctional work environment. They fail to address these root causes, leaving their team members to cope with the consequences.
- Pressure to Persevere:A toxic boss may place excessive pressure on their team to persevere in the face of adversity, without offering any support or resources to help them do so. This can lead to burnout, decreased morale, and ultimately, a less productive team.
By recognizing these red flags, you can better understand the difference between a boss who fosters a positive work environment and one who practices toxic positivity. This awareness can help you address the situation and advocate for a healthier, more productive work environment
This tip is adapted from “Does Your Boss Practice Toxic Positivity?,” by Mita Mallick
