Yeah, It Might Be Time to Ditch That Toxic Workplace/Manager…Now!

I’ve seen, I’ve heard about, and I’ve been part of a toxic workplace, so I learned some powerful lessons. Before I begin, a word of warning. I’m not pulling punches, and this is not a feel-good post. It’s reality, because I care about people. I care about good leadership, and I care about you.

Fear, despair, anger, anguish, contempt, stress, no way out, despicable, untouchable, relentless, clueless, hyper-motivated, narcissistic and more. These are but a few of the words used to describe managers, leaders, CEOs by their employees who shared stories with me over the years.

Presenting keynotes and training at organizations and conferences has many benefits. I meet wonderful people, always learn and folks often make a conscious effort to let their guard down and share parts of their personal and professional lives. I am amazed, saddened and feel it important to share in hopes that it will inspire, motivate and help you move forward.

Here are 5 steps and many tips that people have shared with me that helped them leave a toxic workplace, boss, and leadership.

1- Create an exit strategy from a toxic workplace

Set a deadline for when you’ll resign and do your best to stick to it. Make a plan for how you’ll transition from being unemployed to employed. This is important as you will need to protect your future. Talk to others you trust as they may have insight you can use.

2- Prioritizing self-care is essential when at a toxic workplace.

If I was to rank these in order of importance this one can easily be #1. The people who shared this with me were strong, successful and good/great employees. They also had in common the fact that they were unsure what to do, fearful of their future and also determined to leave their toxic manager. Take care of your mental, physical and emotional health. It’s your greatest asset.

3- What are your core values?

You’ll need this when planning, preparing and fully developing your exit strategy. Define core values. What are you looking for in your next employer or role? Perhaps now is the time to make that long-awaited career pivot? Or maybe you wish to remain in the same role, but with a different employer. Perhaps, a different industry all together. It can be your best option.

After I exited the stage at an event last year, a women named Margaret approached me as I was chatting to a small group. When I was free, she walked up to me and said, “I’m sick of my manager. He is a dictator who has teams that perform well despite his toxic meetings and deflating interactions,” she continued.

“You spoke about collaboration, communication and the power of sharing information, ideas and knowledge. I, actually, we, have none of that. And you reminded me that the decision to stay is on me as is my decision to get off my ass,” she exclaimed.

“Yes, that was the gist of that section of my keynote,” I said.

“Well, I’m leaving. I have been looking and have some promising prospects. Here’s to exiting a bad workplace and on to better days,” she said with relief.

I smiled. She smiled and gave me a hug. That conversation let me know that I continue to make a difference. Not a huge a difference as I am only a speaker, but enough to help some people. I’m good with that.

Remember this. YOU come first. Not your place of employment or you friends at work. It is essential to put yourself first. Margaret did.

4- Do not burn your bridges.

Full disclosure. I am good at this; however, I am not as good as some. There are certain people I just don’t care if they can one day help me. I don’t like them. I don’t like them a lot! Don’t be like me.

Instead, follow all HR procedures when you announce that you are leaving. Finish all projects. (which is only fair), be nice and choose your words carefully. You never know when paths will cross again.

There is one person I did tell off. I don’t regret it and I never did. But my emotions took over. Oh well.

5- Build your social network, coworkers from past jobs and online presence.

This is gold because you have a list and when developed it can help you connect and move forward. Same industry, different one or a whole new career. It is your choice, and you deserve the best. Perhaps you’ll be leaving a toxic workplace behind you!

Please share this and let me know what your think at scott@scottlesnick.com

Continue the Leadership Conversation

The ideas in this article are part of a broader conversation about leadership, employee retention, workplace AI, and organizational change. Scott helps organizations across healthcare, government, manufacturing, financial services, technology, human resources, safety, early childhood education, and professional associations develop stronger leaders and build more engaged workplaces.

Explore Scott’s keynote programs:

• Leadership Speaker – Build stronger leaders, improve communication, and create high-performing teams.
• Employee Retention Keynote Speaker – Strengthen engagement, reduce turnover, and build workplaces where employees want to stay.
• Workplace AI Speaker – Help leaders and employees prepare for the future of work while keeping people at the center of organizational success.
• Change Management Speaker – Equip leaders with practical strategies for navigating disruption and leading organizational change with confidence.