Bohicans

In my last post I discussed the importance of creating a supportive environment where people can perform at their best: an environment where people flourish.

This type environment stands in stark contrast to toxic environments.

Toxic environments are created by those who practice the B-O-H-I-C-A style of managing: Bend Over, Here It Comes Again!

I thought I had worked for the last of the Bohicans when I left industry to return to graduate school in 1994. But I continue to run into pockets of Bohicans. They are a very resilient tribe!

Bohicans create toxic work environments that are characterized by negativity. These environments create fear, anxiety, and pessimism. Rather than expending energy on performing, people spend energy protecting themselves. Instead of committing to the organization's vision, mission, or goals, employees simply comply in order to avoid punishment.

Leaders who foster these environments drive people toward antagonistic relationships, anger, and hostility.

And good people leave.

When leaders create and perpetuate this kind of environment, the most talented employees will leave. Those who remain do so out of necessity rather than commitment and identification with the organization. This starts a downward spiral: As talent leaves, less talented people assume positions of authority. These people are often insecure and therefore perpetuate the bohica practices in an effort to assert their authority and keep people under their control.
They also tend to hire people who won't threaten them.

Toxic environments start at the top of the organization. Healing these environments requires a change at the top.

Either the leader needs to change or the organization needs to change leaders.