012 | Leadership in Toxic Workplaces

In this powerful episode of Emotional Organization, Dr. Denaige McDonnell confronts the realities of leading in toxic workplaces. Whether it’s navigating systemic dysfunction, overcoming personal fears, or advocating for change, Dr. McDonnell dives deep into the challenges and strategies for finding clarity, integrity, and courage in hostile environments.

1. What Defines a Toxic Workplace:

   • How systemic behaviors—not just bad bosses—erode trust and safety over time.
   • The silent struggles leaders and employees face in these environments.

2. The Reality of Systemic Toxicity:

   • Why quick fixes don’t work and the deeper structures that perpetuate toxicity.
   • A reframe: Leadership in toxic workplaces requires dismantling harmful power dynamics.

3. Strategies for Advocates, Allies, and Leaders:

   • Advocates: How to strategically and courageously speak up while protecting yourself.
   • Allies: Ways to offer visible, impactful support that creates change.
   • Leaders: How to lead with radical honesty, address gossip, and normalize speaking up.

4. Personal Stories and Lessons:

   • Dr. McDonnell shares a personal experience of speaking up in a toxic environment, the fallout, and the validation that came with standing by her values.

• Advocates:

  • Be strategic, document incidents, and know your non-negotiables.
  • Prepare for the fallout and always have an exit strategy.

• Allies:

  • Go beyond quiet support—amplify voices visibly and consistently.
  • Use gratitude and bold actions to challenge toxic dynamics.

• Leaders:

  • Embrace radical honesty and tackle gossip head-on.
  • Create systems for upward accountability and participatory decision-making.

• “Toxic workplaces thrive on fear and silence. Every act of courage disrupts that cycle.”
• “Leadership isn’t about feeling comfortable. It’s about embracing discomfort to create change.”
• “Courage isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice we make every single day.”

• For Advocates:

  • Strategies for documentation and preparing for crucial conversations.
  • Tips for finding and leveraging allies in the workplace.

• For Allies:

  • Scripts and examples for amplifying voices in meetings and emails.
  • Guidance on stepping out of the shadows and becoming a visible supporter.

• For Leaders:

  • Practical steps for building trust, addressing systemic issues, and distributing power effectively.

• Reflect on your role—advocate, ally, or leader—and identify one bold action you can take to disrupt toxicity in your workplace.
• Share your story or thoughts with Dr. McDonnell on LinkedIn or via email to continue the conversation.

• Episode 10: The Cost of Staying Silent in Toxic Workplaces

• Website: Emotional Organization
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/denaige