An action with a negative consequence is a mistake…the first time. Repeated, it’s a choice.
Once you’ve experienced negative outcomes in a situation, our brain internalizes the variables associated with that situation and creates what is essentially a “red flag file”. It is essentially a feedback loop that should be informing out decisions as we go through life, starting from birth. Through what starts off as trial and error, we learn how our behaviors and choices drive responses and consequences.
Our biology is programmed to repeat behaviors that result in positive outcomes: babies cry to get fed, held or changed, for example. Adults work to excel at their profession to maintain a job, earn a living and support themselves and potentially a family.
So WHY do some people continue to collect red flags?? If someone finds themselves in a toxic workplace, muddles through for a while and eventually leaves, the hope is that they avoid similar situations going forward and find a better environment. Why do some end up in another toxic environment?
While I can’t provide a definite answer to this, I believe that fear is the biggest factor that will keep someone, or land someone right back in the middle of, the red flags. When it comes to earning a living, putting a roof over your head and food on the table, tough decisions sometimes have to be made. Maybe you are hesitant to leave a job because you’re afraid you won’t find something better. Perhaps you want to speak up and make change in your current workplace, but the fear of retaliation or termination stops you.
The reality is, the more people turn away from organizations with glaring red flags, the more positive workplaces there will be in the long run. Tolerating a toxic environment may be something absolutely necessary for the short-term, but when there is a chance to make a change, please muster up the courage to take it. Stop collecting red flags and look for the green ones!
If you’re in a leadership position, take the courageous step to look for internal red flags that may be undermining your efforts. An outside perspective and analysis can be extremely helpful – contact ReWorking Strategies for help not only identifying, but eradicating your red flags and highlighting your green ones.