Welcome back, everyone! This Dr. Keith McNally, and you're tuned in to another insightful episode of The Envision Speaker Series. In today's discussion, we're diving deep into the challenging topic of workplace toxicity, joined by our distinguished guests, John Neral, Angel Diaz, and Dr. LaTonya Jackson.
Before delving into the complexities of workplace toxicity, let's get to know our esteemed guests. Dr. Latan Jackson, a seasoned leadership and career coach, brings a wealth of experience in helping professionals discover their purpose and navigate career growth. An executive leadership coach with a military background, Angel Diaz offers unique insights into dealing with toxic work environments from his 24 years of service. Finally, John Nell, a professional helping mid-career individuals find job satisfaction, draws from personal and professional experiences to shed light on overcoming workplace challenges.
The conversation kicks off with an exploration of what defines workplace toxicity. John Neral sets the stage by describing it as stressors or influencers within an organization, hindering career progression due to factors like feedback issues or unequal opportunities.
The episode takes an engaging turn as Dr. LaTonya Jackson emphasizes how toxic individuals can create teams, ultimately shaping a toxic organizational culture. She underlines the detrimental effects on personal and professional growth, from demotivation to poor attitudes.
Angel Diaz contributes a crucial perspective from a leadership standpoint, highlighting the significance of trust. He discusses the role of micromanagement, lack of trust, and insecure leadership in creating toxic work environments, stressing the importance of building trust to foster a healthier atmosphere.
As the discussion unfolds, John Neral introduces the concept of trust as repeated behavior over time, offering a profound insight into the dynamics of organizational trust. He shares a real-world example, illustrating the impact of a leader's open-door policy and the importance of aligning intentions with actions.
The conversation transitions into actionable strategies for leaders and individuals facing workplace toxicity. Angel Diaz shares three powerful questions that leaders can ask to foster positive change, encourage open communication, and create a culture of support.
Dr. LaTonya Jackson adds depth to the discussion by exploring the concepts of control, competence, and creating a calm environment within oneself. She introduces the idea of an Evidence Journal, a tool for reflecting on daily experiences, both positive and negative, to gain insights into individual reactions.
John Neral concludes the episode by emphasizing the need for evidence-based statements when addressing workplace toxicity. He encourages individuals to clarify their experiences, fostering intentional conversations that can lead to growth and positive change.
In this insightful episode, our guests provide valuable perspectives on workplace toxicity, offering practical strategies for both leaders and individuals to navigate and transform toxic environments into spaces that promote growth, trust, and well-being. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge to foster a healthier work environment!
In the concluding segment of this enriching episode, our esteemed panel, comprised of John Neral, Angel Diaz, and Dr. LaTonya Jackson, delves into the crucial question of transforming a toxic workplace into a healthier, more positive environment.
The conversation explores the terminology used to describe this transformation, debating whether a "non-toxic" or "healthy" workplace is the more fitting term. The consensus leans towards both, emphasizing the possibility of creating an idealistic, positive work atmosphere. Our guests stress the dynamism of human beings and their capacity for change, making the transformation of toxic environments entirely plausible.
Dr. LaTonya Jackson aptly identifies the challenge lying in understanding the root causes of toxicity. Is it embedded in the organizational culture, communication dynamics, or feedback processes? Transparency, she notes, should not be confused with toxicity; being transparent requires thoughtful communication and avoiding unnecessary negativity.
The discussion progresses with John Neral shedding light on the importance of trust and the leader's role in initiating conversations about workplace dynamics. Drawing from personal experiences, he emphasizes the need for evidence-based statements when addressing toxicity, advocating for intentional and constructive dialogue.
The conversation takes a practical turn as Angel Diaz introduces the concept of individual responsibility. He highlights the power of a team in cultivating a healthy micro-culture within the larger organizational context. Drawing from a real-world example, he illustrates how a team can establish norms, like using a respectful tone, to foster a positive working environment.
As the episode nears its end, the guests emphasize the pivotal role of leaders in shaping workplace culture. Dr. LaTonya Jackson emphasizes the importance of leaders setting expectations, clarifying roles, and establishing rules of engagement. Angel Diaz echoes this sentiment, urging leaders to verbalize their expectations and create a clear understanding of leadership within the organization.
In the final moments, each guest provides actionable insights for leaders to reflect on and implement immediately. John Nell introduces the SBI (Situation-Behavior-Impact) framework for giving effective feedback and promoting a supportive and non-defensive environment. Dr. LaTonya Jackson encourages leaders to have a critical friend who can provide honest feedback for personal growth. Angel Diaz emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, urging leaders to identify their strengths and motivations to avoid contributing to workplace toxicity.
As we conclude another thought-provoking episode of The Envision Speaker Series, we leave you with valuable insights and actionable strategies to foster positive change in your workplace. Join us next time as we continue to explore topics that empower individuals and organizations on their journey to success. Stay tuned, stay inspired, and lead with purpose!
Find John Neral on LinkedIn: John Neral | LinkedIn
Find Angel Diaz on LinkedIn: Angel Diaz, M.A., PCC | LinkedIn
Find Dr. LaTonya Jackson on LinkedIn: Latonya Jackson | LinkedIn