Supera un lugar de trabajo tóxico

by Gary Chapman, Ruthanne Garlock, Harold Myra

Este libro narra historias aute?nticas de trabajadores de hoy que cuentan co?mo enfrentar, cambiar o renunciar ante ambiente malsano. Con franqueza, hablan sobre lo que aprendieron, lo que desean que hubieran hecho y co?mo lograr la recuperacio?n. Las autores, con ilustraciones detalladas, mezclan sus experiencias en el ministerio y los negocios a fin de ofrecer esperanza y orientacio?n pra?ctica a quienes se encuentran en un ambiente de trabajo to?xico. Incluye una extensa gui?a con recursos de supervivencia llena de estrategias y perspectivas realistas.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Business, Audiobook, Psychology, Leadership, Personal Development

288 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 2014

About the author

Gary Demonte Chapman is an American author and radio talk show host. Chapman is most noted for his The Five Love Languages series regarding human relationships.

Reviews

[Meagan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had hopes for this book, but they were almost entirely disappointed.

Unfortunately, instead of real advice or strategies, 95% of the message of the book was "quit." Sorry, but quitting isn't always an option, especially in a bad economy or competitive industry. It may be the only answer when bosses are abusive or humiliate their employees, but what if they're just neglectful or short-sighted and surround themselves with yes-men? Sorry, reader, no answers for you. I was also disappointed by the surprise Christian perspective of the book. (Although if I'd paid more attention to the authors I may not have been surprised, so I'm willing to take responsibility on that one.) I'm not a big fan of the point-of-view that morality and strength are only available to the faithful, and that the only real help you can hope for comes from religion and god. Not super helpful to a bunch of people.

What I did walk away with:

*Stop contributing to the negativity by griping or gossiping
*Try to shield those around you from toxicity as much as possible
*Stop expecting functional behavior from dysfunctional people
*Keep your eyes open for new opportunities

It's not much, but it's a start.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot has changed in our understanding of emotional literacy and leadership since this book was published. As a result, I didn’t find it as helpful as more recent books on the same subject. In fact, some of the advice is simplistic and a bit bootstrap-ish.

[Billeen Carlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Survival Tactics

Having recently had my "This Is The Perfect Job" puppy brutally dismembered right before my horrified eyes, I was desperate to place my experience into some kind of context. I am a survivor of domestic abuse and the feelings I experienced were so startlingly familiar to me that I couldn't believe they were appropriate or in response to something that was really happening! Turns out my experience is overwhelmingly common and can be mitigated and managed by a variety of attitudes and actions that are well within my control. Yay!

[AdiTurbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me a lot during bad times at work. Every time I would feel insecure about my feelings regarding my workplace, I would read a chapter and know that I am not alone. The book offers research-based knowledge, but also many inspiring real-life stories about people in different difficult work situations. There are practical tips at the end of each chapter that truly help. I am so glad that I found this book. if you're having any kind of problem at work, read this.

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid book. The final quarter of the book is repetitive and unnecessary. But there are strong strategies in place to manage really dreadful environments.

The 'toxic boss' is diagnosed and strong mechanisms are offered to understand and handle these dreadful experiences.

What is lacking is contextual material about why toxic workplaces emerge and how - structurally - they are transformed. Instead - the focus is crisis management. You are in a dreadful situation today. This is how you handle it.

And for those of us who have been in these dreadful situations - any strategy is as welcome as cool water on a hot day.

[Jamiesuzanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not helpful. This book only stressed me out more and its only advice is to quit your job.

[Kiona Meade · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an easy read. I think this book was most helpful from a point of “This is what toxic behavior and culture looks like” and less so on the survival strategies.

[Veronica Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this had excellent advice and tips. Also had very relatable stories and examples.

[Mazzou B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got this book hoping it would be help and encouragement in future job situations for myself and my family. Currently, I am not in a toxic work environment at all. There are the usual small tiffs and drama but nothing major. However, I know the future will probably hold more difficulties as I enter other work places. I was also hoping this book would even help with the smallest of difficulties at work. Not to be totally negative, but I was disappointed by this book from the first chapter. It was not practical at all. Instead, it was full of other people's work stories. I was shocked at how little practical and spiritual help there was to be found in the pages of this book. It is rare that I read a book which misses the mark so tragically.

If you want to read of other people's work experiences to make your life seem easier, than perhaps this is the book for you. It didn't fulfill my expectations.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you.

[Lorryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're having a hard time at work and need motivation to leave this will help.

[Degan Walters · Rating 1 out of 5]

Giving a 1 star as I feel it is highly inappropriate to me mentioning church, prayer and ministry in every chapter (plus it’s own chapter!) of a work book but there are some good strategies.

[Ryan Rodriquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

We experience negative and toxic things at work and are astounded that they happen. Not only that, we are even MORE astounded that they aren't just isolated incidents and they continue to happen! The ultimate offense is when it's the leaders who are purveying these types of behaviors and practices!

But what can be done about it?

The authors and researchers who came together to write this book have not only identified clear problems that create a toxic workplace, but they have strategically provided practical resources that can be used to survive and thrive in these types of workplaces.

Being brave enough to shine a light on the problems often times puts a target on your back because the very things that are causing the toxicity are the things that got people in positions of power in the first place.

If you're struggling in a toxic workplace and don't know what to do and feel like you're alone, read this book and learn about the strategies discussed by the authors and the people they've interviewed. Not only will you come away with a toolbox of practical resources, but the feeling that you aren't alone in your fight.

[Jessica Taylor-Steward · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this would be a good book to listen to due to the fact I've started to realise my workplace isn't the big happy "family" they make it out to be.

The idea was to gain perspective and beneficial advice on how to overcome a toxic workplace, however this wasn't the case. I felt that a lot of the advice given to people (like most who have reviewed this book have mentioned) was to just quit their job if it is affecting them emotionally and mentally, however financially this sometimes can't be the case for all; myself included.

However one positive to note about this book is their variety of perspectives from different people who are going through similar issues and describes their scenarios and outcomes. It is very American, however one person's perspective really resonates with me as it is exactly how my current situation is panning out. Although their conclusion was what I could do right now, it still made me think.

I also like that at the end of every chapter the author asks the reader thought provoking questions in which you can determine whether you are truly in a toxic work environment; and honestly 9/10 time I confirmed to myself I am!

Would I recommend this to someone? Only for the perspectives not for the advice given by the author, which is to quit.

[Lilia Khazri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raising above a toxic workplace is a well recommended book for every participant in the world of work. Each and every well explained point in the book is followed by a solution ,and that is exactly what can help out with adding an applicable flavour to the theoritical aspects within the whole parts of the book. Besides, what is really astonishing is the simplification of the toughest work situations during which ; the boss can be hard to get along with, the workplace and the team as a whole are toxic and hopeless.. And the list of cases goes on. Along the explanation there came a great number of solutions to each case guiding you to learn how to properly deal with the toxic boss ,or even how to handle certain types of circumstances without losing your control over your emotions. In all , this book is an efficient guide to a happy working life.

A highly recommended book!

[Jessa Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surface level and heavily corporate/religious based. Didn’t do much for me, but I’m sure it will be helpful for someone.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not especially helpful for managers trying to create healthier work places. Some good advice on how to me decisions that protect yourself when stuck in the middle.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book. I've never read a self-help book before and honestly didn't know what to expect. However, the title and synopsis really interested me. My job had multiple departments and my department works closely with another who's become a bit toxic. The other department experienced all new management being brought on and since then no one has been happy. I thought this would be a great book to read to help get some insight in the whole thing.

The book focuses a lot on peoples stories of their toxic workplace. Each chapter focuses on a different type of boss. Some are just plain mean because they have the powers, others can't handle the pressure of their new responsibilities, while others have no idea that they are neglecting their employees. The stories were entertaining to read, and a few times they reflected the management that I deal with from the other department.

However, I never really felt any closure with this book. It was all pretty basic and simple. Deal with it because you can't change them, set boundaries and don't allow them to take advantage of you, don't take it personally, and talk with your fellow co-workers who feel the same as you. Maybe it's my inexperience with self-help books but I just didn't come away with anything. I did however find that some of the other stories highlighted in this book made me feel like it's not as bad as it could be.

I liked that there was a small portion of this book that dealt with the good workplace. You see, even though the other department has it's issues, I love my bosses. They are encouraging, always quick to bring in cake for an employees birthday, and are always thanking the employees for a long day of hard work. I always feel appreciated at the end of the day and always leave work with a smile on my face.

In the end, this was an enjoyable read, even if I don't feel "helped". Again, that could be because I'm not a self-help reader and just didn't fully understand it. However, it was comforting to know that there are other toxic workplaces and others that are a bit more toxic.


Favorite quote...
"What's the one thing that most affects how much people enjoy their jobs? First and foremost, people thrive when they feel appreciated by their supervisors and colleagues -- and that means they sense appreciation is heartfelt and authentic. "

[Shanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned about this book from the occasional digest email I get from the 5 Love Languages author (how I got signed up for that digest email I do not know). I really, truly had high hopes for this book. While my current place of work is not toxic, it would be prudent to know how best to deal with toxic people (with my psychology major you'd think I'd already be privy to that knowledge).

90% of the advice given in this book is "quit your job". Sorry not sorry, but quitting isn't always the most viable option, especially in this job market. The anecdotes provided were indeed picked from a variety of careers but nothing of substance was given for solutions to toxic people/work environments.

In short, this book served to promote the author's other works and wasn't actually helpful. You're better off saving your time and money investigating other sources in dealing with toxicity in the professional world.

[tiffany ୨୧ ‧₊˚ ⋅ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Decided to give this a read because I'm going through a dealio myself. Annnddd, while I didn't really think it was "good" necessarily, I did take a couple of things away from it and will try to apply it to my current situation. Spreading positivity so that I don't thus become toxic myself, to stop expecting functionality from dysfunctional people and a dysfunctional place.
The book itself could have been written better and the book's content could have been laid out better. It also really mentions quitting which in my case, while not entirely out of the equation, would be something I'd rather not have to resort to.

I wish the book had gotten into more detail about networking, especially when you're in a rocky predicament and in a very toxic workplace. How to plan an exit strategy.... stuff like that.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book focused a lot on telling stories of people who work in a toxic environment which actually made me really anxious because I could relate so well. The book is less than 200 pages but I kept having to put it down and walk away. I think it was so you could decide if you work in a toxic environment... but if you picked up a book called Rising Above a Toxic Workplace, it seems highly likely that question already has an answer.

There are a few helpful tips, but in the end it seems like the easiest way to rise above is to leave. I've read several Gary Chapman books that I thought were good, including the 5 languages of Appreciation but this is not one of them.

[Shaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed the book did not offer more strategies on how to cope and deal with a hostile and toxic work environment. The book focused primarily on other people’s experiences in toxic work environments and how to determine if you are working in one. I think most people that pick up the book are aware of their working environment. I was hoping for more advice other than “to quit.”

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Note:  This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

As most of us have been in toxic workplaces, this book is definitely a helpful one.  Although this book is a short one at about 160 pages or so, it is practical and guided towards self-care.  There is, ultimately, not much we can do about broken institutions as most of us lack the power to effect change for others, especially those in charge over us in some fashion.  That said, it is possible that some people could come to this book expecting something different from the authors' approach that people should care for themselves and look for somewhere else to go to get away from the toxic environment.  Ultimately, the authors seem to view toxic environments as an almost incurable contagion that one has to avoid becoming infected by, and that is something that requires a bit of time to consider when it comes to one's own desires to fix and improve situations rather than leave and start new ones.  Undoubtedly, some people will not be happy by the book's approach.

After a short introduction the authors talk about the rise of a toxic workplace and how it develops (1).  After that the authors discuss the many faces of the toxic boss, as there are many ways that bosses and workplaces can be toxic (2).  This leads into a contrary discussion on great places to work as a reminder that just because one may be familiar with toxic workplaces that not all places are like that (3).  The authors then turn their attention to churches and not-for-profits and show how these workplaces can be as toxic as for-profit companies in their own ways (4).  Then there is a discussion of "little murders" at work that result from humiliation and embarrassment (5).  The authors now turn their attention to self-care and how people can retain their health in difficult circumstances (6) before looking at how great places can go down very quickly and become toxic (7).  The authors then conclude with a prescription against cynicism (8) before providing a summary that takes up about 40 pages that contains the points the authors have been making throughout the volume.  After this the authors make some concluding remarks and provide some acknowledgements and notes.

As someone who has been involved in a great many toxic workplaces while striving not to fall prey to the toxicity of those places, it is interesting to see the diagnosis made by the authors.  Sometimes leaders are the problems, and that is something I have seen before.  Are people not concerned with the well-being of their employees, not interested in keeping promises, inconsistent in the way that they look at standards, only interested in how they can use others?  A lot of institutions operate this way.  How do we keep care of ourselves?  For one, it helps to have a strong set of friendships and relationships, and for another, it helps to have a good idea of what resources one has.  It should be noted that the authors have no expectations that the situations will be improved by divine miracles, and that even past greatness of institutions cannot promise that things will remain good when personnel changes.  By and large, this book is not cynical but it is certainly realistic and sometimes even grimly so.  And that is something worth appreciating, because in life there is all too great a tendency to ignore problems and this book counsels knowledge but also awareness of one's own limitations.

[S.E. Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished listening to this book as an audiobook. I've dealt with a few toxic workplaces and I was curious to see what advice would be given here. Here are some things to keep in mind if you've picked up this book out of curiosity:

1. It is largely faith-based and a lot of the advice has a spiritual component. This doesn't bother me, but I know it bothers others, so just be aware.

2. It's quite short, so understand that it's not exhaustive. The main thing I got out of it was the understanding that people who deal with toxic workplaces aren't alone, which was actually quite affirming.

3. For those annoyed that a major theme in the book is "to quit"....I get it, quitting isn't always possible (I've 100% been there), but let's be honest: sometimes you *need* to figure out an exit strategy--especially if your health is on the line--and sometimes you *need* to be convinced that it's time to go. I'm a chronic people-pleaser and I've stuck it out in toxic jobs WAY longer than I should just because I'm convinced that quitting isn't possible. Maybe it's more possible than you think it is, and maybe opening your eyes to that is important. Just my two cents.

4. Catch-all advice about toxic workplaces is hard because workplace toxicity comes in all shapes and sizes and is totally a spectrum. So for a short book, I think they did a pretty good job at covering a lot of ground. Specifics are tough to manage, so the use of anecdotes was--I thought--quite powerful.

This book isn't perfect. Think of it like a pamphlet with tips and tricks. Don't expect it to solve all of your problems, and don't expect it to reach into YOUR specific issues. No book can really do that.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a book that I chose to pick up since of my last work experience in which I had a boss that tried to fire me for three years. As such I wanted to see what their idea of a toxic workplace was, what would be suggestions to overcome and if there were any tricks as it seems like I am a sucker for toxic workplaces.

What I did enjoy about this book is that it didn't confront point-blank a subject without examples. Instead the book focused on confronting a certain subject then provided the reader with several examples from real-life people while then breaking down what should be done. The chapter would then end on a note to review some strategies for the reader.

Finally the book itself collected all the information together and made a quick guide in its back. So if you want to skip the stories and the full breakdown then all you have to do is go to the back. Unfortunately the part that I was upset about is that the book has for one of its back advertisements the website where tools can be found for those who want to pursue this subject and it said that it had free resources. After looking over it, though, nothing was free on the site, which is not only misleading but frustrating, especially since you can find the The 5 Love Languages quiz almost everywhere but not the 5 Workplace Appreciation Languages.

All in all I think this should be a recommended read for anyone going into the workplace environment so that way they have some experience under their belt and so that they don't feel like they're being pressured into staying in such bad situations even as common as they might be.

[The Book Maven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toxic workplaces...if you haven't experienced one, have you even lived?

Chapman's book is helpful, I suppose--when dealing with toxic work environments, bosses, and colleagues, after all, you should look for help wherever you can find it. But overall, while this book was helpful, it felt a bit more like a surface treatment rather than an in-depth tome of advice and insights. And that's okay! You gotta start somewhere, right? There are certainly good observations, such as:

“The young and inexperienced...are most easily blindsided by toxic leadership. At least at first, they seldom realise the extent to which they are being wounded, and their buy-ins to the unhealthy culture limit their ability to take positive action.”

And

"Refuse to add to the venom. Decide what will be best for you in the long run and tie your emotions to your positive plans. "

And

“Feedback is a gift only when it comes from a person who has earned your trust.”

But what it boils down to is, some organizations are toxic. Some colleagues are toxic. Some supervisors are toxic. It may be because we are all flawed and hurting people, and hurt people hurt people, but there's only so long you can spend on trying to figure them out (and how to handle them without destroying your own well-being) before you gotta get your ducks in a row and abandon ship.

This is a book meant to empower people, and that's lovely and necessary, but the fact remains that sometimes, more in-depth advice and examinations are needed. Start here with this book, but don't stop here, ya dig?

[Adam Marcum · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was okay. I expected more strategies for improving the workplace, especially from Dr. Chapman, a man for whom I have great respect. His Love Languages books are phenomenal, and loaded with applicable methods of expressing love and affection for others based on how they need to receive it. This book, however, while giving a few nuggets here and there, seemed to suggest that in most cases the way to deal with a toxic workplace is to keep your head down and find a new job. Now, I realize that is an extreme generalization, but after reading the book, that is what I came away with for the most part. I do not work in a toxic environment, but as a leader in our school, I want to do everything that I can to promote a positive and productive culture where people want to be, so I hoped this book could help me find ways to do that. What I found to be most helpful in this book was the fact that I can use the testimonials of toxic bosses and workplaces as non-examples and work to make sure those types of attitudes don’t take root in our school. I am hoping that Dr. Chapman and Paul White’s book, “The Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace” is more suited to what I am looking for.

[Sid Emory · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books has a subtitle of ”Taking care of yourself in an unhealthy environment.” I kept reading hoping that I would come to that section. It turned out to be just another “leadership” book that told stories about broken organizations that then went on to explain how better leadership could be have kept the situations from happening. It really didn’t do that very well though. The answers were not very useful.

It finally in the last chapter did give a paragraph or so about forgiving others. Much needed in the world today and a sound principle but the book never dealt with unhealthy environments in the everyday work life of the worker. No practical “how can I deal with difficulties in my organization that are created by my coworkers?”. Yes better leadership at the top is a must but in most organizations people want to know how to deal with negative or frustrating co-workers and be able to work in some peace.

This book did not address these topics.

[Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just a very good little book filled with valuable insights and practical, spiritual council. I’m certain everyone has either been involved in a toxic workplace, observed it as a consumer or is close to someone who is embroiled in a toxic workplace. Just about anyone can relate to the observations and take-aways offered here.
I loved reading the importance of habits and how deeply developed good habits, in thought and deed, can take on and defeat emotions that would potentially make us toxic and further worsen the toxicity of the workplace.
I have yet to read ‘The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace’ but it is in my TBR queue.
This book will help me in my ever challenging and sometimes unmanageable, often unpredictable, manic, frustrating and yes, a little toxic workplace.
May there be Shalom in the workplace.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

In summary, the biggest takeaway I took from this book is that you can’t change toxic people and the best thing to do is quit before it takes a toll on your own health.

This isn’t necessarily helpful advice for someone in the midst of a toxic workplace and/or unable to resign immediately. However, the book does give personal stories and tips to help manage the situation whilst you are still in it. I felt the book was a little heavy on personal stories and suggest you could just read the last few pages of each chapter to receive all the tips. Most of it is around helping you change your own mindset and not letting these types of people get you down.

As other Reviewers have suggested, I was hoping to read more about how/why toxic workplaces (or people) become that way in the first place to be able to avoid it altogether and foster good workplace culture.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****Audiobook Review*******

At first, this book didn't feel like it would address the title of the book "Rising Above a toxic workplace" because it started off with toxic workplace examples - not solutions. As the book developed I found the examples/stories good at getting points across (some where quite "juicy" due to the messiness of the situation). The very very end of the book is the solution portion in a sort of list and practical advise format. While you can't cover every scenario- I thought the book did a good job. I recommend to anyone with a tough work environment or who has friend/family in a tough work environment.