How are brilliant workplaces that flourish created, and conversely, how do the toxic ones remain for even a minute?
It seems like the brilliant ones are far outnumbered by those that are toxic.
A few years ago, Adam Grant, the author, podcast host, and U Penn professor, wrote about toxic workplaces several times.
He is so well known that he often gets several hundred comments. But he got several hundred thousand when he posted on toxic work environments. That tells you a lot.
The difference starts with knowing that environments must be thoughtfully constructed, and it is critical when they include humans.
It includes the physical surroundings, but even more importantly, it is the intentionality of setting the ground rules as each new person enters the space of others.
I have a good friend whose famous phrase is: “This is how it works.” It’s a great heads-up for “this is how we do it here.” It’s not a discussion, although it provides the ground for many conversations that might never have transpired if they weren’t in place.
Once this is spoken, they kick in. The rules of the space are established and maintained to ensure it remains a place for sharing ideas, support, strength, humanity, and curiosity.
There is collaboration, not combat, and it is refreshing – especially to some who never believed it was possible. Even more, it cements relationships faster than can be imagined because its space was defined as kind and respectful of everyone’s voice.
As a society, we are having difficulty with setting up space for all voices.
I know it is possible. I was in a group that spanned opinions from one end to the other, and because of the way the space was set up, we had some of the best conversations I have ever had. Many wouldn’t have believed it was possible.
What were the factors present in the brilliant places you have worked?