Toxic bosses are unfortunately quite common, leading to a reported 57% of employees leaving their jobs. However, there are times when financial necessity compels you to stay. Robyn L. Garrett, an author and CEO of the leadership coaching firm Beamably, shares a “secret strategy” to determine when it’s time to move on.
Garrett advises, “Defining your personal values can be an incredibly powerful tool for navigating such a situation. It’s not just about identifying your most important values but also recognizing those values you fundamentally oppose.” Speaking on the Harvard Business Review’s “New Here” podcast recently, she explained, “We don’t always pinpoint why we feel negatively about our workplace, but if you’ve taken the time to clarify your values, it can bring much-needed clarity.”
If you find yourself fundamentally at odds with your boss on a moral level, it’s likely a sign that you should seriously consider leaving your job. On the other hand, if the issue is less severe, such as a communication problem, you might be able to find ways to address it and cope with your challenging manager, as suggested by Garrett.
Her initial step involves identifying the “various factors” that define your relationship with your boss and using this information as a foundation for an action plan.
Robyn L. Garrett advises, “What are your boss’s needs and motivations? What about your own needs and motivations? How do these factors clash, and how can they potentially align? Are there opportunities for compromise?”
According to Garrett, if your boss is adaptable and genuinely supports your success, even if they exhibit toxicity in other aspects, they will be open to finding common ground. However, if your boss is firmly set in their ways, you may need to adapt your communication style to match theirs.
For instance, if you express your concerns without evidence, they might not be receptive. But if you approach the conversation armed with research and data that bolster your argument, you may have a higher chance of success. Garrett highlights, “Many bosses are primarily driven by financial incentives, focusing on their key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics.”
Robyn L. Garrett draws from personal experience to underscore her advice. During her time in an international role, her boss would schedule grueling “2 a.m. conference calls lasting two and a half hours” and then load her with additional assignments to complete afterward.
Reflecting on this challenging situation, Garrett recalled, “I attempted to communicate with this individual, but they responded aggressively and took advantage of me, knowing I was young and inexperienced.”
Indeed, direct confrontation might not always be the most effective approach, given that a 2016 survey conducted by Harris Poll and communications firm Interact found that 69% of workplace leaders already feel uncomfortable communicating with their employees.
Regardless of your chosen course of action, it’s essential to monitor both your physical and emotional well-being. Toxic work environments can contribute to feelings of anxiety, mental fatigue, and stress, as noted by experts.
“It’s crucial to prioritize your self-care,” emphasized Garrett. “Ensure that you are looking out for yourself because, unfortunately, not everyone else will.”
Source: cnbc.com
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