How to Protect Oneself as an Individual Employee from Organizational Toxicity?

How to Protect Oneself as an Individual Employee from Organizational Toxicity

To safeguard personal well-being and support positive change in toxic work environments, individual employees can use "Calling Out" and "Calling In" strategies. These methods, rooted in boundary-setting and awareness, help counter energy-draining behaviors, or "energy vampires," while fostering a healthier workplace.

Here are five of the most effective statements for each approach:

Calling Out: Directly Setting Boundaries

“I feel obligated to mention this conversation is impacting team morale.”
“That language doesn’t align with our culture of respect and inclusion.”
“I need to pause here; that comment feels disrespectful and is not aligned with our values.”
“This approach doesn’t feel constructive for the team. Can we refocus?”
“I need to step away for a moment to preserve my well-being.”

Calling In: Encouraging Reflection and Growth

“How do you feel this conversation is impacting team dynamics?”
“What outcome are we aiming for here, and is there a supportive way to reach it?”
“Let’s think about how our actions align with the values we share.”
“What approach would best support trust and understanding among us?”
“I’d like to explore how we can work together to create positive results.”

These statements empower employees to address toxicity while cultivating an environment that supports personal and organizational health.

1. Calling Out Strategy: Setting Boundaries to Protect Vitality in a Toxic Environment

The Calling Out strategy is essential in toxic work environments for protecting one's energy and establishing clear boundaries with those who drain it, often referred to as "energy vampires." By directly addressing unacceptable behaviors, Calling Out helps to halt negative momentum, safeguard personal well-being, and maintain a professional atmosphere. This approach can be uncomfortable yet necessary, allowing individuals to assert their boundaries while reminding others of the organization’s standards of respect and empathy (See the reference: www.seedtheway.com)

Here’s how Calling Out can be used effectively within a toxic organization:

Setting Immediate Boundaries
Calling Out involves respectfully but firmly communicating when certain behaviors cross personal or professional boundaries. This step is essential to prevent disruptive behaviors from affecting well-being and team dynamics.
- Example Statements:
  - “I need to stop you right there; that comment feels disrespectful and is not okay.”
  - “Your words have a significant impact on me, and I need you to consider their effect.”
  - “That approach is not aligned with the values we aim to uphold in this space.”
Intervening to Prevent Further Harm
When energy-draining behaviors arise, Calling Out allows individuals to intervene and reset the conversation before further harm occurs. This approach ensures that negative interactions do not continue unchecked, which is crucial in maintaining a safe work environment.
- Example Statements:
  - “Let’s pause here; I’m having a strong reaction, and I need to address why this feels triggering.”
  - “I disagree with the direction of this discussion and feel we should refocus.”
  - “As your colleague, I feel obligated to mention that this comment could negatively affect team morale.”
Expressing Disagreement and Seeking Clarity
At times, it may be necessary to openly disagree or question someone’s intent to prompt reflection and reduce the impact of their energy-draining behavior. This can also serve as an invitation for them to re-evaluate their actions.
- Example Statements:
  - “I don’t find that approach constructive. Can you clarify what outcome you were hoping to achieve?”
  - “It sounds like you’re making assumptions that may not reflect the reality of our situation. Let’s discuss further.”
  - “I need to push back against that comment, as it seems dismissive and unaligned with our goals.”
Highlighting Impact and Encouraging Reflection
An effective Calling Out statement not only stops the behavior but also invites the individual to consider its effect on others. This approach can be particularly powerful in encouraging self-awareness and helping the individual understand the consequences of their actions.
- Example Statements:
  - “Have you considered how that statement might feel to others on the team?”
  - “Your comment landed strongly on me, and I think it’s important you understand its impact.”
  - “I wonder if you’ve thought about how that might come across differently than you intended.”
Reinforcing Organizational Values
Referring to shared organizational values during a Calling Out exchange reinforces the behavior expected within the organization. This step helps align individual actions with the collective culture, reminding all involved of their responsibility to uphold the organization’s standards.
- Example Statements:
  - “That’s not reflective of the culture we’re building here, and it doesn’t support our values.”
  - “Our focus is on respect and inclusion, and comments like that don’t align with those values.”
  - “Let’s remember that part of our mission here is to foster collaboration and support.”
Maintaining Authority and Control Over Personal Boundaries
Preserving personal boundaries may sometimes require physically or verbally stepping away from a toxic situation. This action demonstrates that certain behaviors will not be tolerated, setting a clear precedent for respecting personal limits.
- Example Statements:
  - “I need to excuse myself if this discussion continues in this way.”
  - “If we’re not redirecting this conversation, I may need to take a step back.”
  - “For my own well-being, I’m stepping away to regain perspective.”

The Calling Out strategy is instrumental in toxic organizations, where maintaining individual vitality and emotional well-being is essential. By using this approach to address harmful behaviors and reinforce positive standards, individuals can protect their energy and contribute to fostering a culture of respect, gradually transforming the organization into a healthier, more supportive environment.

2. Calling In Strategy: Encouraging Reflection and Connection to Foster Positive Change

The Calling In strategy is a compassionate approach designed to redirect energy-draining behaviors by inviting self-reflection and promoting a constructive dialogue. Unlike the direct boundary-setting of Calling Out, Calling In gently encourages individuals to consider the impact of their actions, helping them align with the organization’s shared values. This strategy is particularly effective in toxic environments, as it fosters connection, accountability, and self-awareness in a way that supports healing and transformation within the organization (Seedtheway, n.d.).

Here’s how the Calling In strategy can be applied in a toxic organizational setting:

Using Reflective Questions to Prompt Self-Awareness
A core element of Calling In involves asking non-judgmental, open-ended questions that encourage individuals to reflect on how their actions affect others. This approach promotes a sense of self-awareness without putting individuals on the defensive.
- Example Questions:
  - “How do you feel our conversation is impacting the team dynamic?”
  - “What outcome are you hoping to achieve here, and is there another way we might reach it?”
  - “Do you think this approach aligns with the values we want to uphold?”
Fostering Understanding Through Active Listening
Active listening is key in Calling In, showing genuine interest in the other person’s perspective. This approach diffuses tension and demonstrates empathy, making the individual more receptive to positive change.
- Example Responses:
  - “I can see you’re passionate about this, and I want to understand what’s driving your perspective.”
  - “It sounds like there’s something important you’re trying to convey. Let’s explore it together.”
  - “I’m here to listen—let’s take the time to unpack this and find a way forward.”
Inviting Alignment with Shared Values
In a toxic environment, constantly reframing actions in the context of shared values helps individuals see the bigger picture. This aspect of Calling In gently encourages alignment with organizational goals, fostering a sense of collective purpose.
- Example Statements:
  - “How do you see your approach aligning with our goal of collaboration and respect?”
  - “What’s one way we can ensure our actions reflect the values we’re all committed to?”
  - “Let’s think about how we can approach this with integrity and support for each other.”
Encouraging Reframing of Intentions
Energy-draining behaviors often stem from miscommunication or frustration. Calling In invites individuals to reframe their intentions constructively, allowing them to express concerns without negativity.
- Example Prompts:
  - “Is there a way to share your thoughts that feels supportive to everyone involved?”
  - “How can we express our concerns in a way that maintains trust and understanding?”
  - “What would it look like if we focused on solutions instead of frustrations?”
Inviting Collaboration and Growth-Oriented Dialogue
This approach encourages individuals to engage in solution-focused conversations, shifting from being energy-drainers to contributors to the organization’s positive culture.
- Example Prompts:
  - “What are some ideas you have to address this in a way that supports everyone?”
  - “How can we work together to create a positive outcome here?”
  - “Let’s brainstorm a few options that align with our goals and values.”
Emphasizing Personal Accountability Gently
Calling In subtly encourages individuals to recognize their responsibility in fostering a healthy work environment by gently emphasizing personal accountability.
- Example Statements:
  - “It’s essential that we each take responsibility for how we communicate with others.”
  - “I know you want to support the team, and I appreciate your willingness to reflect on how we can do that together.”
  - “We all play a part in maintaining this environment; I’m here to support you in making a positive impact.”

Through empathetic communication and a focus on growth, the Calling In strategy nurtures a culture of reflection, self-awareness, and positive alignment with shared values. By shifting potentially harmful behaviors towards a constructive path, Calling In can help gradually transform a toxic organization into a supportive, collaborative, and healing environment.

Reference:

Adapted fro Oregon Center for Educational Equity: What did you Just Say? Responses to Racist Comments Collected from the Field, (rebecca@seedtehway.com www.seedtheway.com)

http://www.seedtheway.com/uploads/8/8/0/0/8800499/calling_in_calling_out__3_.pdf

Seedtheway_calling_in_calling_out__3_.pdf

0.14MB

Special thansk to the University of Maine at Presque Isle's Diversity Dialogue Session on October 31, 2024.