Toxic Workplace Carleigh J. M.

We've all dealt with them, the self-serving ass-kisser that gets ahead because they stroke the boss's ego. In this quick After Hours episode, I talk about why ass-kissers are successful and how they erode a workplace.

Chelsea is an educator who finds herself entrenched in a toxic workplace characterized by poor leadership and revolving door turnover. The organization is constantly undergoing new leadership which causes a lack of direction, misaligned roles, unchecked behavior, and nepotism, Chelsea grapples with frustration and confusion while juggling personal tribulations. However, her dedication to her family and unwavering work ethic kept her persevering through the storm. Ultimately, Chelsea emerged with a newfound perspective, prioritizing her well-being and aspirations over the toxicity of her workplace.

Kylie lands a job at a large utility company, which starts on a positive note. She excels in her accounting role and earns praise from colleagues and supervisors. However, her experience takes a sharp downturn when she begins reporting to a bullying manager. Despite her persistent dedication, Kylie faces numerous obstacles, including being denied necessary overtime, burdened with increasing workloads, and subjected to unfounded accusations of poor performance. Additionally, opportunities for professional advancement within the company are consistently withheld from Kylie, leaving her feeling trapped and undervalued. Through Kylie's narrative, this episode highlights the destructive effects** of workplace bullying and underscores the pressing need for systemic changes to cultivate healthier work environments.
**Please note, this episode discusses suicide.

Victoria is a dedicated real estate professional and busy mom who discovers a promising opportunity in real estate sales. Impressed by a wonderful interview experience, she eagerly joins the company, initially captivated by their seemingly excellent professionalism and integrity. However, as she begins her new role, Victoria becomes disillusioned when she realizes the company engages in cheap sales practices and the management fosters a toxic workplace culture. The initial excitement turns into disappointment as she grapples with the contrast between her expectations and the harsh reality of management's unethical business practices and toxic work environment.

Haylee gets the opportunity to work with a trusted, long-time family friend, Jenna, in an exclusive Christian non-profit organization. Haylee is led to believe this non-profit is funding amazing projects that brings goodness into the world, but in reality they're funding political agendas. Haylee looks up to Jenna and believes she is going to gain professionalism and mentorship under her direction, but is quickly disappointed when she learns Jenna is a micromanager with a passive aggressive personality. Jenna starts to form the untrue narrative that Haylee doesn't respect her authority and is not well received by her colleagues.

In this bonus episode, I talk with Amanda Fangman, an aspiring writer and educator who specializes in teaching people about undue influence and coercive control in the workplace – from labor trafficking and exploitation to cultic abuse at work.
If you haven't listened to Amanda's story of working for a magazine crew (Season 2, Episode 14), please listen before playing this episode as it gives context to our discussion.
Amanda seeks to arm people with the crucial knowledge she wished she had before joining the workforce: general awareness of these issues, education on the warning signs and indicators of a high control workplace.
Visit Amanda’s website:
www.AmandaFangman.com
Follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecultbusiness/
Resources:
www.igotout.org is a consortium of cult survivors supporting the #igotout movement
Dr. Janja Lalich: https://janjalalich.com/ "Promoting a deeper, more accurate understanding of cults with the intent to avoid their manipulation, exploitation, and abuse."
Steven Hassan: https://freedomofmind.com/ "Everyone deserves the right to live a life free from undue influence"
Is Your Corporate Culture Cultish? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/am-i-working-cult-5-signs-you-corporate-7-tips-avoid-joining-baker
General Cult/Trafficking Info:
https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/influence-continuum/ https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/ * https://janjalalich.com/help/characteristics-associated-with-cults/
* https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/trafficking/
* https://polarisproject.org/labor-trafficking/ (Anything on Janja Lalich or Steven Hassan's websites are great for cult research/education. I have some of their books as well!)
Commercial Cults:
* https://www.marketplace.org/2020/03/10/five-signs-your-workplace-might-turning-into-a-cult/
* https://www.economist.com/business/2022/03/05/company-or-cult
* https://www.huffpost.com/entry/multilevel-marketing-companies-mlms-cults-similarities_l_5d49f8c2e4b09e72973df3d3