Is Your Workplace Toxic, Or You Are Reading It Wrong?

Why start with the poster of the Movie - "Dangal" on a topic related to workplace toxicity?

Let me set some context here.

Transform Ahead?? Leadership Circle (TLC) is a melting pot of perspectives. Last?weekend?we were discussing?a topic that cuts across all experience groups -

What makes a workplace toxic??

While?many perspectives were shared, our TLC member, Puneet Sakhuja , raised an important question?bringing?a parallel from Bollywood. His?question is - "In the movie Dangal, was the father toxic to her?daughters?"

Dangal's portrayal of Amir Khan's character, Mahavir Singh Phogat, is complex.

Some may say that Mahavir is toxic as he enforces a rigid training regimen, denying his daughters?normal?childhood experiences. He?also shows gender bias?showing?disappointment at having daughters.

In contrast, some may find him a person showing "tough love" to his?daughters?backed by the personal sacrifices he makes and his desire to see his daughters on the top of a professional wrestling game.

Ultimately, Dangal is open to interpretation. Whether?Mahavir is supportive or overbearing depends on your perspective.

What does this mean for the workplace?

The world of work isn't always sunshine and rainbows.?There?will be times when?your workplace feels stressful, demanding, or even downright unpleasant.

But?how do you distinguish between a?truly?toxic environment and the?normal?growing pains of a dynamic organization?

The Stench of Toxicity:

• A Culture of Fear:??You might be afraid to speak up, take risks, or even go to the bathroom for fear of retaliation or public humiliation.?
• The Blame Game:??There's finger-pointing, scapegoating, and a complete lack of accountability.??This?creates a climate of distrust and discourages collaboration.
• The Gossip Highway:??Water cooler chats are one thing, but a workplace fueled by malicious gossip and rumours is a breeding ground for negativity.?
• The Power Play:??Toxic leaders often wield power for personal gain.?This?might involve taking credit for others' work, micromanaging every detail, or creating a culture of favouritism.?
• Harassment Goes Unchecked:??This includes bullying, discrimination, or?any behaviour that creates a hostile work environment.

Not-So-Toxic Growing Pains:

• High Demands, High Rewards:??Some workplaces are fast-paced and demanding. Long?hours and tight deadlines might be the norm but?they?are supported?with clear communication,?strong?support systems, and recognition for achievements.
• Honest Feedback:??A healthy work environment respectfully delivers constructive criticism to help employees improve.
• Change Can Be Uncomfortable:??Organizational shifts, restructuring, or new leadership can create temporary unease. How?the change?is managed and?employee concerns?are addressed?is?key.
• Healthy Competition:??A little healthy competition can spark innovation and drive results. However, the key is to ensure?it's collaborative and focused?on the team's success, not individual glory.
• Personality Clashes:??Not everyone will get along?perfectly but?disagreements are addressed professionally and don't escalate into bullying or sabotage.

I believe that?while the above factors can?be looked?into, it is a touch-and-feel issue.

One?knows when they operate in a toxic vs. a?tough?environment.?

Question to Ponder: What are some of the factors you feel are an indicator of a toxic workplace?

About the Author

Rahul Gupta is the founder of Transform Ahead?? , a world-class Coaching and Leadership Development institution. He is an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and an Everything DiSC? certified trainer. Rahul is a published thought leader and his articles have been featured in Entrepreneur, Money Control, Business World and CFO Connect.

About?Transform Ahead??

As a?Career and Leadership Coaching Institution, we support people to reach their full potential. If you wish to know more about our offerings, please visit transformahead.com and book your free Initial Connect Call.

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