If you only listen to one episode of this seven-part series of Culture Speak, make it this one. In episode 5 I discuss the characteristics of a toxic culture, where - if swift action isn’t taken - lives, results and reputations can be ruined. I discuss the three levels of toxicity (0-2), how to spot it and how to deal with it so that you don’t ever get to level two.
Key takeaways:
Toxic cultures are easily avoidable.
Engagement is a two-way street between the organization and employees.
Combatant cultures can lead to high stress and anxiety.
Unconscious bias thrives in consistently combatant cultures.
Persistent profanities and microaggressions are signs of toxicity.
Cutting off toxic individuals is essential for cultural recovery.
Corrosive cultures can cause genuine harm to employees.
Toxic cultures have led to significant business failures historically.
Emotional cruelty is as damaging as physical harm.
Assessing your culture can guide necessary changes.
Chapters:
00:00 Understanding Toxic Cultures
02:46 Identifying Combatant Cultures
05:29 Corrosive and Harmful Cultures
08:39 Moving Towards Vibrant Cultures
