AP Now Episode 47: Mary Schaeffer & Tom Flynn on Bullying and Toxicity in the Workplace

The response to the episode featuring Tom Flynn discussing bullying received so much positive attention and questions, we decided to spend one episode diving deeper into the issue of bullying and toxicity in the workplace. Tom notes at the beginning of this conversation with AP Now’s Mary Schaeffer that his advice is based on research he has conducted of experts in the field. He graciously notes that any errors (there were none) are his.

The discussion begins with a quick profile of a typical bully and a discussion of the workplace environment. The discussion then focuses on six different types of behaviors that might unwittingly allow a toxic workplace environment to flourish. Most people (including the host) will find they unintentionally might exhibit certain of those behaviors at least occasionally. It was a real eye-opener. Flynn maintains that it is possible to eliminate these behaviors from the workplace if the management is willing to address them. He mentions Southwest Airlines as a company that does this the right way.

He then offers three strategies for listeners to use should they find themselves dealing with a bully (which he calls “bad actors”) or a toxic work environment. For those who think there is nothing they can do, Flynn has some advice. But he also concedes that on rare occasions there will be times when the environment gets so toxic, even after trying everything, the only choice is to leave.

 

Host: Mary Schaeffer (www.ap-now.com)

Guest: Tom Flynn (www.spendmend.com)

Information Project Cornerstone: https://www.ymcasv.org/ymca-project-cornerstone

Credit: Music: https://www.purple-planet.com