TOXIC Work Environment. Members of management need engagement and people skills. Upper management, like a Controller and/or CFO, should require that all associates under their leadership reflect the same mild-tempered mannerism that they (themselves) display. Rarely do employees witness a senior member of leadership using the “middle-finger” and using colorful language. If the Controller and/or CFO is displeased or frustrated with “whatever” is transpiring in the immediate department but reflect professionalism and office etiquette, then all subordinates, including supervisor(s), should also show the same mild-tempered, professional behavior and workplace etiquette. There should be no room for brash, aggressive, and confrontational behavior from ANY member of leadership. How an associate is treated and/or spoken to by their immediate supervisor will directly affect the associates ability to connect with the role they were hired for, including training. Such inappropriate behavior(s) is “just” cause for any associate to be concerned, and thus question, their work environment and overall daily “work experience”. Additionally, the work environment becomes even more “concerning” when managers invoke their “personal faith” in daily interactions with their team. (i.e. Sharing their minister title(s), church affiliation, religious organizations, etc.) Because “faith” is subjective, when “personal faith” behaviors “conflict” with socially acceptable religious behaviors, you give cause for associates to be even more doubtful and unsettled about their work environment, as actions and beliefs don’t align. In a nutshell, I don’t get to overshare about my faith, use profanity, and the “middle-finger”, and become offended when my fellow peers label me a hypocrite and fraud. Lastly, 1st-time managers should not burden themselves with presenting the image that they know everything or know more than their subordinates. Instead, as 1st-time managers grow, evolve, and learn, they should leverage their team’s knowledge to assist them in every way possible. Managers can be pleasantly surprised by what each individual team member has to offer when they become “approachable” leaders; and not alienate or push associates away by being brash and combative.
