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