Ask Christa! How Do I Stop Putting Up with Bad Behavior (Put-Downs) at Work? (S2E17)

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!,  Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concern about dealing with a disrespectful coworker whose style is to put others down. She emphasizes the importance of respect and dignity, and the impact respect and dignity has on organizational performance. She discusses how to understand and utilize harassment policies, encourages listeners to seek support and resources to address their challenges, and provides actionable advice on communicating with management in this circumstances. 

Key Takeaways

·       Toxic work environments can deplete your energy and morale.

·       Respect and dignity are crucial for a healthy workplace and essential for effective teamwork.

·       Understanding workplace harassment policies is essential.

·       Communicating with management requires trust and clarity.

·       It's important to document specific behaviors when addressing issues.

·       You can report harassment even if management is unresponsive.

·       It's important to talk to someone about your experiences.

·       Anonymous and confidential reporting mechanisms can protect your identity.

·       Resources are available to help navigate workplace toxicity.

·       You are not alone in facing workplace toxicity.

·       Small changes can lead to positive differences in your work environment.

Additional Resources

Discrimination, harassment, and retaliation | USAGov. (n.d.). https://www.usa.gov/job-discrimination-harassment

Harassment. (n.d.). US EEOC. https://www.eeoc.gov/harassment

Hakim, A. C., PhD. (2023, September 28). Follow these steps to maintain control of your team. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/working-with-difficult-people/202309/when-your-employee-insults-you-in-front-of-others

Vanessa Van Edwards. (2022, February 8). Stop Toxic Coworkers and How to Deal with Difficult Personalities at Work [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsuCSyWc604 NOTE: Minute 10:34 describes kiss ups and kick downers—“kick downers” are those who put others down

West, T. (2022, September 1). 5 Jerks at Work and How to Deal with Them. https://hbr.org/2022/09/5-jerks-at-work-and-how-to-deal-with-them

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Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.