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Heather Ackmann

This course will teach you how to identify and respond to emotionally toxic behaviors in professional environments.

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This course will teach you how to identify and respond to emotionally toxic behaviors in professional environments.

A toxic work environment is detrimental to a team and company. In this course, Recognizing and Surviving an Emotionally Toxic Workplace, you’ll learn to develop the skills needed to deal with professional settings that are emotionally unhealthy. First, you’ll explore some of the ways that workplaces can be emotionally toxic, and how to recognize them. Next, you’ll discover strategies for confronting and hopefully remediating emotionally toxic circumstances. Finally, you’ll learn how to know when it’s time to walk away and seek out an entirely new workplace. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of toxic workplaces needed to find an environment that is both professionally fulfilling and emotionally healthy.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Emotional Intelligence Workplace Conflict Toxic Workplace Culture Self-Care

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Understanding Toxic Behaviors and Emotional Health
Analyzing Whether Your Workplace Is Toxic
Confronting and Remedying an Emotionally Toxic Workplace
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops awareness of toxic behaviors, which is useful for personal growth and professional growth
Teaches strategies for navigating emotionally toxic work environments
Suitable for individuals who wish to create more positive work environments
Provides guidance regarding when to leave a toxic workplace
Rank 5
Rank 6

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Reviews summary

Navigating toxic work environments

According to learners, this course is a highly practical and empowering guide for navigating difficult professional situations. Students report gaining a clear understanding of how to identify toxic behaviors and environments. Many found the strategies for confronting issues and knowing when to leave particularly useful, describing the content as actionable. While offering a solid foundation, some learners felt it could explore deeper psychological impacts or more nuanced solutions for very complex scenarios. Overall, it's considered a valuable resource for anyone seeking a healthier workplace.
Well-organized modules that facilitate understanding and progress.
"The course modules are incredibly well-structured, making it easy to follow the progression of topics."
"I found the logical flow of the syllabus very helpful in absorbing the challenging content."
"The bite-sized lessons kept me engaged and made the heavy topic manageable."
Offers clear guidance on determining when to exit a toxic environment.
"The section on knowing when to walk away was incredibly helpful and gave me the clarity I needed."
"It provided a clear framework for deciding if my current job was salvageable or if it was time to move on."
"I appreciate the honest discussion about when confronting isn't enough and leaving is the best option."
Provides confidence and validates experiences of workplace toxicity.
"I felt so much more empowered after taking this course. It gave me the courage to make changes."
"It truly validated my feelings and experiences; I no longer feel alone or like I'm overreacting."
"The course gave me the confidence to assert myself and set boundaries in a difficult work setting."
Helps learners recognize subtle and overt toxic behaviors.
"This course truly opened my eyes to the types of toxic behaviors I was experiencing, helping me name them."
"I learned to identify the red flags of an unhealthy workplace that I previously just dismissed as 'stress'."
"Understanding how to recognize toxic environments was a huge takeaway for me; it validated my feelings."
Offers actionable advice for real-world workplace challenges.
"I found the course extremely practical, giving me concrete steps to address difficult behaviors rather than just theories."
"This course provided me with actionable strategies I could immediately apply to my challenging work situation."
"It's not just theory; I learned practical tools and what to actually do when confronted with toxicity."
While comprehensive, some desire more advanced or nuanced solutions.
"While excellent for an overview, I wished for more in-depth strategies for highly complex or specific toxic dynamics."
"As someone dealing with very severe workplace issues, I found it a good start but needed more advanced tools."
"Could benefit from exploring the psychological toll more deeply, beyond just recognition and action."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Recognizing and Surviving an Emotionally Toxic Workplace with these activities:
Review workplace ethics and professionalism
Reviewing workplace ethics and professionalism can help you recognize and respond to emotionally toxic behaviors in the workplace.
Browse courses on Workplace Ethics
Show steps
  • Read articles and books on workplace ethics and professionalism.
  • Attend a workshop or training on workplace ethics and professionalism.
  • Talk to your manager or HR department about workplace ethics and professionalism.
Find and follow tutorials on how to deal with emotionally toxic people
Following tutorials on how to deal with emotionally toxic people can provide you with specific strategies and techniques for responding to these behaviors.
Show steps
  • Do a search for tutorials on how to deal with emotionally toxic people.
  • Watch a few of the tutorials and choose one that you think will be helpful.
  • Follow the steps in the tutorial.
  • Reflect on what you learned from the tutorial and how you can apply it to your own life.
Role-play scenarios of emotionally toxic behaviors
Role-playing scenarios of emotionally toxic behaviors can help you practice responding to these behaviors in a safe and controlled environment.
Show steps
  • Identify a scenario that you want to practice.
  • Find a partner to role-play with.
  • Take turns playing the role of the emotionally toxic person and the person responding to the behavior.
  • Reflect on the role-play and identify what you did well and what you could improve on.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Join a support group or online forum for people who have experienced emotionally toxic behavior
Joining a support group or online forum can provide you with a sense of community and support, and can help you learn from others who have experienced similar situations.
Show steps
  • Do a search for support groups or online forums for people who have experienced emotionally toxic behavior.
  • Join a group or forum that you think will be a good fit for you.
  • Participate in the group or forum by sharing your experiences, offering support to others, and learning from others.
Find a mentor or coach who can provide support and guidance on how to deal with emotionally toxic behavior
Finding a mentor or coach who can provide support and guidance on how to deal with emotionally toxic behavior can help you develop the skills and strategies you need to navigate these situations.
Show steps
  • Identify the qualities you are looking for in a mentor or coach.
  • Ask your friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations.
  • Reach out to potential mentors or coaches and interview them to find the best fit for you.
Volunteer or work in a setting where you can practice dealing with emotionally toxic people
Volunteering or working in a setting where you can practice dealing with emotionally toxic people can help you develop the skills and confidence you need to respond to these behaviors in a healthy and effective way.
Show steps
  • Identify a volunteer or work setting where you can practice dealing with emotionally toxic people.
  • Apply for the volunteer or work position.
  • Attend training and orientation programs.
  • Work with emotionally toxic people and practice responding to their behaviors in a healthy and effective way.
Compile a list of resources on emotionally toxic behavior, including articles, books, websites, and support groups
Compiling a list of resources on emotionally toxic behavior can help you stay informed about the topic and can provide you with a wealth of information to refer to as needed.
Show steps
  • Do a search for resources on emotionally toxic behavior.
  • Create a list of the resources that you find.
  • Organize the list by category, such as articles, books, websites, and support groups.
Create a blog, vlog, or podcast about emotionally toxic behavior
Creating a blog, vlog, or podcast about emotionally toxic behavior can help you raise awareness about the topic and can provide you with a platform to share your experiences and insights with others.
Show steps
  • Choose a topic for your blog, vlog, or podcast.
  • Create a content calendar.
  • Produce your content.
  • Promote your content through social media and other channels.

Career center

Learners who complete Recognizing and Surviving an Emotionally Toxic Workplace will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental illness. They diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. In your role as a Psychiatrist, it is likely that you will work with patients who are experiencing the effects of an emotionally toxic workplace. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help your patients cope with these challenges.
Psychologist
Psychologists study the mind and behavior. They work with individuals, families, and groups to help them understand and resolve psychological problems. In your role as a Psychologist, you may work with clients who are experiencing the effects of an emotionally toxic workplace. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help your clients cope with these challenges.
Social Worker
Social workers help people navigate the challenges of life. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to provide support, counseling, and resources. In your role as a Social Worker, you may work with clients who are experiencing the effects of an emotionally toxic workplace. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help your clients cope with these challenges.
Counselor
Counselors provide support and guidance to people who are struggling with mental health issues. They work with individuals, families, and groups to help them resolve problems and improve their quality of life. In your role as a Counselor, you may work with clients who are experiencing the effects of an emotionally toxic workplace. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help your clients cope with these challenges.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization's human resources department. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including recruiting, hiring, training, and employee relations. In your role as a Human Resources Manager, you may be responsible for addressing complaints about emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to resolve these issues.
Employee Relations Manager
Employee Relations Managers are responsible for managing employee relations within an organization. They work to resolve conflicts, improve communication, and create a positive work environment. In your role as an Employee Relations Manager, you may be responsible for addressing complaints about emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to resolve these issues.
Organizational Development Specialist
Organizational Development Specialists help organizations improve their performance. They work with leaders and employees to identify and address organizational challenges, and to develop and implement solutions. In your role as an Organizational Development Specialist, you may be responsible for addressing the issue of emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help organizations create a more positive and productive work environment.
Workplace Culture Specialist
Workplace Culture Specialists help organizations create a positive and productive work environment. They work with leaders and employees to assess the current workplace culture, identify areas for improvement, and develop and implement change strategies. In your role as a Workplace Culture Specialist, you may be responsible for addressing the issue of emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help organizations create a more positive and productive work environment.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to promote diversity and inclusion within an organization. They work to create a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, regardless of their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. In your role as a Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you may be responsible for addressing the issue of emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help organizations create a more positive and inclusive work environment.
Mediator
Mediators help people resolve conflicts. They work with individuals, groups, and organizations to facilitate communication and negotiation, and to help them reach mutually acceptable solutions. In your role as a Mediator, you may be called upon to mediate disputes between employees and employers, or to help resolve conflicts within emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help people resolve conflicts and create a more positive and productive work environment.
Negotiator
Negotiators help people reach agreements. They work with individuals, groups, and organizations to identify and negotiate common interests, and to develop and implement solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved. In your role as a Negotiator, you may be called upon to negotiate with employees or employers on a variety of issues, including workplace culture and emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help people reach agreements and create a more positive and productive work environment.
Arbitrator
Arbitrators help people resolve disputes. They hear evidence from both sides of a dispute, and then make a decision that is binding on both parties. In your role as an Arbitrator, you may be called upon to arbitrate disputes between employees and employers, or to help resolve conflicts within emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help people resolve disputes and create a more positive and productive work environment.
Labor Relations Specialist
Labor Relations Specialists help employers and unions negotiate and administer collective bargaining agreements. They also work to resolve disputes between employers and unions, and to promote a positive and productive relationship between the two parties. In your role as a Labor Relations Specialist, you may be responsible for addressing the issue of emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help employers and unions create a more positive and productive work environment.
Union Organizer
Union Organizers help workers organize unions. They work with workers to identify their needs and goals, and help them to develop and implement strategies to achieve their objectives. In your role as a Union Organizer, you may work with workers who are experiencing the effects of an emotionally toxic workplace. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help workers organize unions and create a more positive and productive work environment.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists help employers create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. They work with employers to identify and assess workplace hazards, and to develop and implement safety programs. In your role as an Occupational Health and Safety Specialist, you may be responsible for addressing the issue of emotionally toxic workplaces. This course will help you better understand the signs and symptoms of an emotionally toxic workplace, and provide you with the tools and strategies you need to help employers create a more positive and productive work environment.

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Recognizing and Surviving an Emotionally Toxic Workplace.
This classic book on emotional intelligence provides a comprehensive overview of the topic, emphasizing its importance in navigating emotionally toxic workplaces.
This ancient Chinese military treatise offers timeless strategies for navigating conflicts and managing emotions, which can be useful in emotionally toxic workplaces.
This popular book on personal and professional effectiveness offers strategies for managing emotions and resolving conflicts, valuable skills in emotionally toxic workplaces.
Explores the strengths and challenges of introversion, offering insights into how introverts can thrive in emotionally toxic workplaces.

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