Smart leadership in a toxic environment

IT HAS become the norm that many employees who leave one job after the other cite failed relationships with a boss or manager as a reason for leaving.

- LEHLOHONOLO MAKHANYA

Some who have had their health deteriorate, would also cite the toxic environment and unrealistic expectations from their managers as reasons for their deteriorating health.

There is no doubt that toxicity anywhere, and at the workplace in particular, has detrimental effects on employee well-being, morale and productivity, and ultimately impacts negatively on organisational performance and the family fibre of affected employees.

More often than not, toxicity does not assume a particular form, shape or pattern but has a unique dynamic by virtue of its existence and impact. To understand it, let us explore the story of a young, vibrant and free-spirited girl called Busi.

Busi was in her primary schooling years and always looked forward to daily classes at her school.

She enjoyed daily quizzes by the teacher and would also look forward to class participation as well.

Unbeknown to her, the teacher would come in one particular day and drag her to sit at the back of the class without saying a word.