Do You Know What to Look For to Find a Nourishing Work Environment?

By Sandy Prock M.Ed., JCTC, Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com

Be true to yourself. No doubt, you have heard this before. It is a wise statement. However, what we may not hear as much is how our environment affects our ability to be true to ourselves and to flourish.

I recently listened to two professors from Harvard Business School talk about office politics. One statement at the end of their discussion struck me as very important. If you find yourself in a toxic environment, keep your head down and work.

I wondered…how do you avoid getting into an environment like that in the first place? If you have ever experienced working or living in a toxic environment, the kind where you have to put your head down and basically hide, well you know how demoralizing that can be.

I thought how great it would be to avoid those kinds of environments. What do you need to look for to avoid ending up in a toxic work environment?

I remembered some research I did for a screenplay draft I wrote a few years ago. I read a fascinating book called “Criminal Minds.” I was researching for my antagonist. What I learned from that book are the basic thought patterns of people who think like a con or a criminal. Your potential boss or employer may not be a criminal, however, if they possess any of the following characteristics – beware – they are indicators of toxicity!

Beware of these toxic behaviors and thought patterns in people or organizations:

• Imposing only their will – conning or forcing others to operate according to their will only

• Winning at all costs, including cheating, fighting or quitting to achieve victory

• Impossibly arrogant

• Seek revenge

• Contemptuous of contemporaries

• Erupt into tantrums when they don’t get their way

• They are possessive and regard everything and everyone around them as their own personal property

• They refuse to cooperate

• They perceive kindness as a weakness

• Poor communication - They refuse to discuss any matter when they are confronted

• They are masters of subterfuge and lies

• All communication is on their terms only

• They blame everything and everyone around them

• They use the truth or a lie, whatever gives them the upper hand in the moment

• They enjoy lying, cheating and pulling the wool over others eyes

• Their communication is global and hard to pin down

• They say maybe, perhaps, I guess, instead of yes or no

• They exhibit contempt for authority and advice

• They are basically scornful of anyone, but themselves

• They can be temporarily charming – wolf in sheep’s clothing

What are positive behaviors and thought patterns to look for in your new employer, boss or supervisor?

• Listening to others

• Communication is cooperative and open

• Dialogue is open

• Open to learning

• Commitment to discussion and discovery

• Mutual respect – you and others are respected as much as leadership

• Open to learning

• Humble

• Problem solvers

• Idea generators

• Accepting ups and downs and learn from everything

These are a few things to think about when you are interviewing. Beware of any signals from your interviewer that reveal toxic behaviors or thinking patterns. If you arm yourself with some facts, and listen to your gut, you may save yourself some heartache and land a job where you can be your personal best in a supportive and nourishing environment. Be true to yourself. Trust your gut instinct. Instinct guides you. Be determined to find your best opportunity. Learn from others and have fun along the way. Learn as you go. Be your best. Find your best environment. It all makes a difference. Prepare and be aware of how you feel in the moment. Listen to your gut feelings, your sixth sense.

Make sure your resume, cover letter and other job search documents are the best they can be. Don’t give yourself less than your best chance.

Bob and I wish you the best in your job search. If you have any questions about our professional resume writing service,  email (expertresume@yahoo.com).

Sandy Prock M.Ed. (Masters in Education-Vocational Guidance and Counseling), JCTC (Job and Career Transition Coach), Co-Owner of www.ExpertResume.com