Farouq O. Anibaba (ACIPM)’s Post

🧐 We can identify a toxic workplace in 3 minutes. (Sounds weird but hear me out.) Some of the best tools for work come from those used for romantic relationships. I’m a superfan of Dr John and Dr Julie Gottman. John can predict with over 90% accuracy whether a couple will divorce after watching them interact for just 3 minutes. To do this, he looks for the “4 Horsemen”...  😡  Criticism 🤡  Contempt 👿  Defensiveness 🥶 And Stonewalling (ignoring or refusing to engage) I’ve personally seen all 4 at work… 😡 “You’re a horrible SDR. You’re so bad at selling.”  🤡 “Why would you write the report like this?” (Insert eye roll.) 👿 “If you had done a better job, we wouldn’t be in this mess. I did my part.”  🥶 Meeting request denied. Email ignored. Slack left on read for days. (Unsurprisingly, I was horrified by all of these situations.) Teams that tolerate these behaviors fall apart just like marriages do. When the 4 Horsemen show up at work, here’s what can happen… ⬇️ Morale drops. ⬇️ Productivity plummets. ⬇️ And team members leave (or worse, mentally check out). The impact on the company? You burn hours on useless conflict. (~ 3 hours per person each week.) Business goals aren’t met. Accountability drops. Turnover rises. But there is an easy fix! Why not adopt a zero-tolerance policy around the 4 Horsemen at work? How we can shift our behaviors... 😡 Criticism Instead of attacking the other person’s character, offer respectful feedback on the idea, process, or task. (If your feedback doesn’t include a clear request, you’re just complaining.) 🤡 Contempt Instead of using sarcasm, cynicism, and passive aggression, we communicate clear expectations. (Clarity creates calm!) 👿 Defensiveness Instead of blaming others, we take responsibility and apologize for our part. Owning up to our mistakes is hard but deflecting blame is worse. 🥶Stonewalling Instead of ignoring or shutting a team member out, we communicate with respect. Manage differences of opinion with curiosity. 🐴 Have you experienced any Horseman at work? How did you respond? #culturematters #teambuilding #leadership ___ 👋 I’m Alice, I help leaders build thriving teams & I support smooth IC-to-Manager transitions. I specialize in: + New Manager Training & Mentorship: Next cohort in April! + StrengthsFinders for Teams: Unlock your team's superpowers. ⚡️ + Communication Workshops: Normalize feedback & healthy conflict.   Follow me for empathetic real talk on management, career & work.

"How do I better manage a stressed employee?" That was the question a client asked me in a recent session. Because I believe that this is very relatable topic I thought I'd share my answer! There are 3 parts to this answer: #1 SAFETY When we are stressed our nervous system tunes our braun to detect danger easier. Any existing danger will not only be noticed easier but also be misinterpreted as bigger and more important than it actually is. Hence it is important to avoid carrying information or tasks to the employee that can be interpreted as threatening/stressful. Also make sure that your communication is as clear as possible to reduce the amount of interpretation the employee can do, which will likely be the most negative interpretation possible. "The change in project direction is not due to anything you did but rather a new idea from management. It also does not affect your work, please keep doing the quality work you have been doing and our department will keep on doing great." #2 QUESTIONS Questions can both be stressful and engaging, the way you phrase them makes all the difference. Asking factual questions that have a right answer and clear wrong answers are inherently stress inducing. Open-ended questions have an easy way out while also allowing for a deeper answer that can connect you more to your employee and stimulate a great conversation. "What do you think about the recent change of direction towards an AI bot as the first customer touch point? Would you say it's justified with the fast development speed of AI?" #3 INTRINSIC MOTIVATION If you can provide your employee with a positive counterforce to stress such as intrinsic motivation (meaning motivation from the inside, because of eg purpose or inherent joy of the activity itself) you help them manage their internal state to be less focused on danger and more on achieving. Extrinsic motivation (such as offering a raise, praise or a promotionon) on the other hand usually produces even more stress so stay clear of that if possible. In order to help with motivation you can help with the three requirements for it: 1. Autonomy Provide enough autonomy for them to make their own choices and take charge while not giving too much as that will again increase stress levels. How much is right depends on the individual and the situation, use your gut feeling and keep communication open and clear. 2. Relationships Why is what they do important to you or the organization? Make sure to clearly communicate that regularly to fuel the relational piece of intrinsic motivation. 3. Competence Imposter syndrome is a common occurrence when we are stressed, where we are disconnected from this exact requirement. You can help by sharing the positive impact of their past work or even praise from higher up if available. Let me have any questions you may have on how to manage work related stress, I'd love to discuss this topic further and have a great day! With fire, Sven

Navigating a Toxic Work Environment 🛑✨ Working in a toxic environment can take a toll on your well-being, productivity, and career. Here’s how to handle it while staying professional and maintaining your peace: 1. Recognize the Signs 🚩 Toxic environments often involve negativity, poor communication, micromanagement, or workplace bullying. Acknowledge the problem so you can address it. 💡 Tip: Keep a journal of incidents to identify patterns and reflect on the situation. 2. Set Boundaries 🛡 Don’t let negativity invade your mental space. Politely but firmly set limits on inappropriate behavior or unreasonable demands. 💡 Example: “I appreciate your input, but I’d prefer to focus on the task at hand.” 3. Seek Support 🤝 Connect with colleagues who share your concerns and can offer mutual support. Build alliances to create a positive circle within the chaos. 💡 Tip: Talk to trusted coworkers or seek mentorship for guidance. 4. Communicate Effectively 🗣 When addressing issues, focus on solutions rather than complaints. Approach discussions calmly and factually. 💡 Example: “I’ve noticed that unclear communication impacts our workflow. Can we establish better processes?” 5. Utilize HR or Leadership 📋 If the toxicity persists, report concerns to HR or management. Provide specific examples to help them address the issue effectively. 💡 Tip: Frame your feedback as a desire to improve the work environment, not as a personal grievance. 6. Focus on What You Can Control 🎯 While you can’t change others, you can control your reactions and focus on personal growth. Invest energy in tasks and skills that enhance your career. 💡 Tip: Practice mindfulness or take breaks to recharge during stressful moments. 7. Have an Exit Strategy 🚪 Sometimes, the best solution is to leave. Begin exploring new opportunities if the environment is detrimental to your health and growth. 💡 Tip: Update your resume and start networking while you plan your transition. 8. Prioritize Self-Care ❤️ Toxic environments can be draining, so focus on activities that help you recharge and stay positive. 💡 Tip: Exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones can help you regain balance. Conclusion A toxic work environment is challenging, but it doesn’t have to define your career. By addressing issues thoughtfully and prioritizing your well-being, you can navigate the situation or move toward a healthier workplace. How have you dealt with toxic workplaces? Share your experiences and tips below! 💬👇 #WorkplaceWellness #ProfessionalGrowth #ToxicWorkplace #CareerTips

Lack of IQ makes you stupid every day! But lack of EQ makes you die every day! Recently, I was reading an article, and its headline intrigued me. “Nearly 1 in 5 say their workplace could be toxic.” Even worse, some employees are on the verge of committing suicide. That’s when I researched having Emotional Quotient in the workplace. 5 signs that the current workplace is exhibiting toxicity! ✅ A threatening environment for making mistakes. ✅ Excessive work pressure.  ✅ Tight and unrealistic deadlines.  ✅ Lack of career support. ✅ Feeling disrespected at work! So, here’s a gentle reminder for both employees and employers. It’s time, employees!  💚 The emotional quotient is as essential as the intelligence quotient. Learn to build solid emotional resilience so that you can kick off any rejections and challenges! 💚 Learn to say no, even if it is your boss. If work is overly challenging and costs your mental health, you must learn to say no assertively and politely. You can say, “Sorry, sir, I’m finding it hard to complete. I’m afraid it’s a challenge to my mental health!” 💚 Learn to set boundaries- especially with time. If you have a family, you can set boundaries with your time. If your coworker keeps calling you after work, you can say, “Sorry. I don’t take work calls after 8 pm. Hope you respect my boundaries.” Dear employers, 💚 Everyone has bad days. Sometimes it's your employees, sometimes it’s you! Your employees work with you, not for you! So, you shouldn’t dump your emotions on your employees. 💚 Humans are humans, not robots. So be human with your employees. Make a team and work together. Understand their problems. Because once upon a time, you were an employee who went through that. YOU CAN BE THE BEST AND IDEAL BOSS!!! 💚 Are you considerate with your employees? Sometimes, all your employee needs is somebody who cares! “I’ve been seeing you so stressed out! Do you need to talk it out? I’m here to listen.” This is the best line your employee wants to hear right now! So, ditch the concept of boss. Be the leader who inspires. How many of you are facing toxicity in your workplace? #jobs #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness #employeewellness

Insights into and strategies for dealing with a toxic boss in the workplace. Recognising the signs of a toxic boss and taking proactive steps to protect one's well-being and career is on all of us: It is crucial to identify the signs of a toxic boss, such as excessive micromanagement, taking credit for others' work, and creating a negative work environment. Building a support network, both within and outside the organisation, can provide strength, reassurance, and guidance when dealing with a toxic boss. Support groups and mentorship relationships can offer valuable perspectives and help individuals navigate difficult situations. If a boss is crossing boundaries, such as calling at all hours or expecting employees to cancel personal plans, it is important to reset expectations. When all else goes nowhere, individuals should consider alternative career options where their skills and talents are appreciated. Building a strong external network and gaining a fresh perspective on potential career paths can lead to more rewarding opportunities. On the plus side, dealing with a toxic boss can be a learning experience. It can sharpen management skills, teach individuals how to avoid becoming a toxic boss themselves, and provide valuable insights into personal strengths and weaknesses. https://lnkd.in/dmFBDjvh

Micromanaging....Does is ever work? And if not...then why do people still continue to manage this way? Over the last week I have spoken to several experienced, outgoing candidates with proven track records of their work, who have had their confidence knocked due to being micromanaged. It's a subject that comes up time and time again in all sectors...and I am yet to hear of a positive experience when micromanaging seems to be an effective method of leading...so why do it?!! I've had people suggest that perhaps it's done because really the manager wants a person to leave but doesn't have a legal reason to do so, the employee being micromanaged finally gives in to the stress and anxiety and decides to move companies, whilst some have suggested it's purely a control, personality trait and if it wasn't them, they would be doing it to someone else, but really, it's hard to give an exact cause. All I can see is that it is detrimental to any working environment and it causes employees to tread on eggshells due to being excessively scrutinised by undermining their confidence and decision making which leads to feelings of inadequacy. This can then cause such harm to their mental wellbeing as feelings of frustration, burnout and helplessness become overwhelming, which ultimately see's the most loyal of people seeking new roles. As the saying goes...people don't leave bad jobs, they leave bad management. Surely it is better to build trust, focus on outcomes and empower employees, this then would drive performance. I'd love to hear from managers that find it effective though and hear their views on the positives. #micromanaging #healthcare #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealthcareandsocialcare

How to successfully Navigate Toxic Organisation These are based on my own Personal Research and Experiences, the truth is unfortunately, we have more toxic organisations than non toxic ones I recently conducted a poll and almost 70 percent of 500 respondents have faced bullying in the workplace at some point, which I would say is quite worrisome 1. Focus on your focus - one of the reasons why people are swamped in toxic organisations is lack of focus , before you know it , you're distracted 2. Admit and Acknowledge Your Situation - when you deny reality , you will not be able to know the difference, that also creates another type of issue will add to the situation , without knowing the issue , how do you know the solution 3. Be Perceptive - be watchful of your surrounding, be careful about who you associate or become friends with especially when you are new in the workplace . I have seen a situation where the real busybody was actually pretending to be a friend, until after years later , this person had exited and deeper stories started coming out. Story for another day 4. Know your Why ? - once you know that , it helps you cope, pending when you have a clear plan based on your understanding. One of the most unhealthy workplaces I have worked in , taught me the greatest lessons , I made lasting friendships, and even got so much exposure, why ? I knew my why ? and once it was time , I took a bow 5. Learn how to Manage People - people think people management is for HR Professionals, but you will be able to go far in life , when you understand people management. I once studied a toxic Boss, and started maintaining a specific standard, such that even when the rage comes , I maintain the same level of energy 6. Have Clear Goals - many people spend years in a toxic organisation , and cannot pinpoint 👉 any achievement, so what is the point ? Don't suffer toxicity and still not achieve your goals 7.Dare to be different- I don't even understand why people live in fear of another human , I always say what's the worst case scenario! Is it not better you lose your job , than lose your mind ? Well the choice is yours . One thing is clear , people never forget how you treated them , so treat people well 8.Create a safety net for those who work around you - You do not have to become toxic because you work in a toxic organisation, be the catalyst for change , rather than joining them , choose to beat them by doing the right things, some will notice and join you Look back and still have great stories you can tell ,even if you have worked or are working in a toxic work environment If I successfully navigated toxic organisations , then you can do it too It is still Mental Health Awareness Month and I will keep writing, the aim is for you to care for your Mental Health Thank you Bolaji Shote - May 2024 Copyright ©️

10 TIPS FOR SPOTTING A TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENT!

Individuals who wear stress as a badge of honor are often perceived as less competent and likable by their colleagues. This behavior can backfire, negatively impacting both the individual and their coworkers. Bragging about stress promotes the notion that high stress levels are normal and expected within the work culture, potentially leading to increased personal stress and burnout for everyone involved. In contrast, casually mentioning stress or being perceived as stressed doesn't carry the same negative connotations. Managers should be mindful of this behavior and its potential effects on the workplace environment. https://lnkd.in/eZmR3kR7

10 Tips For Spotting A Toxic Work Environment Read more on original post below: Credits to Gav Blaxberg, follow him for more useful content. ------ Feeling stuck in a toxic work environment? Let's break free! Whether you’re job hunting or assessing your current workplace, recognizing a toxic environment is key to your well-being. Take control and stay sharp with these essential tips: 1. High Turnover: ▶ Frequent staff exits? This could indicate deep-rooted issues within the company. 2. Poor Communication: ▶ If messaging is unclear or inconsistent, it might mean a lack of transparency. 3. Negative Reviews: ▶ Persistent bad feedback online often hints at underlying problems. 4. Micromanagement: ▶ Excessive control over your work can stifle your creativity and morale. 5. Unreasonable Workloads: ▶ Overwhelming demands can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. 6. No Work-Life Balance: ▶ Constantly long hours or on-call expectations signal poor work-life integration. 7. Office Gossip: ▶ High levels of negative chatter often reflect a toxic culture. 8. Disrespect: ▶ Regular bullying or harassment points to a hostile work environment. 9. Limited Growth: ▶ Few advancement opportunities suggest stagnation and lack of investment. 10. Unethical Practices: ▶ Engaging in or overlooking unethical behavior is a major red flag. Your job should be fulfilling and respectful. Keep these tips in mind to avoid toxic environments and ensure your workplace is as healthy as your career ambitions. Don’t ignore these signs — they could save you from a frustrating job experience!