Episode: 794

Episode Title: If You’re the Toxic One

Have you ever been guilty of toxic behavior? I think we’ve all had those moments. Here’s how we can change them, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 794 show:

Thanks for tuning in to The Perna Syndicate today! This week it’s all about toxic work culture: what it is, how to deal with it, and today, how to change if you realize you’re contributing to a toxic environment at work.

First off, it takes serious self-evaluation and humility to recognize our own toxic attitudes and behaviors. Toxic workplaces, according to MIT Sloan’s “Toxic Five” framework, are disrespectful, non-inclusive, unethical, cutthroat, and abusive. If you see yourself in any of these, how can you turn over a new leaf?

TalentLMS did a recent survey on toxic behaviors in the tech industry, and what they found is relevant to everyone. The key to eliminating toxic behaviors is to replace them with positive ones, which we can gain from soft skills training. 

The most important soft skills (or as I call them, professional skills) to cultivate are emotional intelligence, empathy, communication, active listening, delegation, and empowerment. 

Toxic behaviors often stem from a lack of trust and a desire for control. Focusing on the needs and contributions of others will make it easier to replace any toxic traits with positive attitudes that foster better relationships. 

In a workforce that is changing rapidly, professional skills remain the currency of the future—because we will always need them. 

Tomorrow on The Perna Syndicate: If your current workplace qualifies as toxic, how do you know when it’s time to leave? Join me next time for that conversation. See you then!