Check out Business Insider’s article where I’m one of a panel of experts offering advice on toxic work environments.
If you’re emotionally intelligent, you’ve figured out how to handle toxic people—or you’re on your way. It’s a strategy that’s perfected throughout life. It’s important to have a positive state of mind, especially since 90 percent of premium business performers excel at emotional management. To begin, you set boundaries and tip-toe the line between being professionally friendly while not letting toxicity take over.
You won’t let anyone prevent you from joy, which means not reacting to others’ opinions. You know how to rise above the white noise, which lets you remain calm even in the midst of chaos. At the same time, you still focus on solutions, which push you towards goal achievement. You also establish a support network and (more importantly) know how to utilize these networks.
Emotionally intelligent folks remain self-aware and, although your buttons can be pushed, you know how to prevent it. You’re forgiving, but don’t necessarily forget because mistakes are how you learn. You also store up available energy for opportunities down the road. Battles are well chosen, which makes you look like you’ve mastered the art of being the bigger person (but, really, you’re just emotionally whip smart).
