#2 - Why do you get up in the morning?

‘You will be replaced before your cremation ends!’ concluded my series on abusive leadership.

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In the summer of 2023, I had written and published a series focused on abusive leadership . The nature of a toxic environment is such that you can only realize it after signing up and stepping in! Of course, we can take precautions before getting in, but chances are you have missed some crucial details if you find yourself in such an environment. Much has been discussed in the series regarding abusive leadership.

However, a critical factor has remained unaddressed in this series!

‘Why do you get up in the morning?’ is the cliché in almost all corporate pep talks. It intends to make you align your job routine with your?life goals and aspirations. Yet, in an abusive and toxic work environment where superiors exploit every opportunity to demean their subordinates, this question can be redirected at the leaders themselves: ‘Why do they wake up in the morning?’ Is it to lead, enable, and inspire, or to assert dominance crudely?”

Nobody wants to be surrounded by abusive people who belittle and demean everyone around them.?Although being in an abusive workplace demeans you and your loved ones, it is your loved ones who give you strength and meaning as they bring an even more powerful resilience and responses to – ‘Why do you get up in the morning?’!

Tolerating abusive and toxic behavior in the workplace is like demeaning yourself. Incidentally, the corporates disapprove of the toxicity at the workplace rhetorically, and it is unlikely that there are any objective indicators of identifying and preventing abusive and toxic work environments. Perhaps it’s because, due to their very nature, monetary success is the ultimate priority for corporations.

Every day, the question ‘Why do you get up in the morning?’ reminds you of your goals and a litmus test for your work’s impact on your life. In a healthy workplace, this question reaffirms your purpose and aligns your professional actions with your ambitions. However, in an abusive environment, the weight of this question grows heavier as you examine how the negativity affects your professional and personal well-being.

When you carry stress home from a toxic workplace, it can disrupt your domestic life, affecting relationships and personal happiness. The stress can alter your interactions with loved ones, potentially leading to impatience or withdrawal. Finally, consider how enduring toxicity aligns with your career aspirations. Are you growing professionally, or has progress stalled due to a demoralizing atmosphere? Is it transitory and likely to get better with time? Are you maintaining your professional integrity and ethics, or are you being pushed toward compromises that conflict with your values? If the toxicity around you has started to engulf you, and the abusive behavior is disturbing your peace, your family, and your domestic bliss, is that the life you want to lead? Breaking free from an abusive and toxic work environment is not easy, but it can be necessary for your personal and professional growth.

While I discuss several ways to handle abusive leadership in my series, I want to leave you with one crucial thought: Every bully is fundamentally insecure, and confronting them can often normalize the situation. Unfortunately, confronting bullies is not easy without a strong personal foundation established from the outset.

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• Enhance your professional growth by participating in workshops, seminars, and courses that align with your field. By keeping your skills fresh, you show dedication to your career and showcase your commitment. Acquire certifications that are respected within your industry.
• Actively participate in industry conferences, workshops, and events. Networking can lead to opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and even professional growth opportunities. Join professional associations or groups that align with your career goals.
• Establish a professional online presence and build a solid personal brand. Regularly update your LinkedIn profile, contribute to industry blogs, or even start your own. Engage in public speaking opportunities at industry events or webinars.
• Regularly assess your career path and set short-term and long-term goals. This keeps you focused and motivated and helps you navigate through professional challenges.
• Assertiveness training can help you handle conflicts and stand up against unfair treatment without being aggressive. Be aware of your rights as an employee. Understanding what constitutes workplace bullying and discrimination and how to address these issues legally can empower you to take the right actions if needed.
• Practice meditative techniques or engage in regular physical activity to manage stress. Sometimes, speaking with a counselor can help develop strategies to deal with workplace challenges and improve emotional resilience.

By incessantly focusing on your craft, you will make it difficult for bullies to get you.

Every bully thrives on the unchallenged falsehood of authority, but their insecurity is their weakness. By confronting this and continuously developing your skills, you build a professional persona that resists subjugation. Instead of waiting for toxicity to overwhelm you, take proactive steps to protect your well-being. Enhance your network, sharpen your skills, and cultivate a career that reflects your values. Remember, standing up to toxicity is not just about personal gain—it sets a precedent, empowering you and those who follow. Take charge and create an environment where respect and professionalism prevail.

Remember, every action you take empowers you and sets a standard for those around you. Reflect on your circumstances, seek support, and make informed decisions. It will allow you to answer with conviction and purpose –

‘Why do you get up in the morning?’!

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