The Silent Damage of Workplace Toxicity
I’m quitting.’
That was the entire message. A friend had just texted me.
They were leaving the perfect job at the perfect company in the perfect industry. A job they had waited years for.
A job just a few months before they described as THE point in their career that everything else, every training, every experience, had been leading to.
Just like that, it was over.
The reason wasn’t the workload, or the hours, or even the pay.
It was one person.
One person who made every meeting feel like walking on eggshells…
…who dismissed their ideas and chipped away at their confidence.
…who wasn’t even their boss—but somehow held all the power.
And here’s what really struck me: it didn’t happen overnight.
Recognising the Warning Signs Before It’s Too Late
It all started when my friend got the job the other person also put their hand up for. Which can always be a bit tricky to deal with for both parties. Things quickly started going wrong.
First, my friend told herself it wasn’t that bad.
Then, she started questioning herself more than she questioned that person.
Then, one day, she realised she was exhausted, second-guessing everything, and just not seeing a way through it anymore.
Because, FINAL, toxicity doesn’t always show up as an explosion. Sometimes, it’s a slow, silent erosion—of your confidence, your energy, and…your leadership.
Ignoring Toxic Behaviour Only Makes It Worse
By the time you can’t ignore it anymore, the damage is already done.
👉 You start resenting a job you used to love
👉 You hold back in meetings because you’re tired of the pushback
👉 You think about quitting—even though you shouldn’t have to be the one to leave.
What I find really sad is that all that is entirely avoidable.
Not easy, but avoidable.
The leaders who navigate this best? They don’t wait until things hit a breaking point. They recognise the signs, step in early, and handle difficult people before they spiral.
You, unlike my friend who left her dream job, still have that option. In my upcoming webinar, I’ll show you exactly how.
But for now, just ask yourself:
How much has tolerating toxicity already cost you?
Because once you see the rolling cost, you can’t unsee it. And you take action.
A Free Webinar to Help You Take Back Your Power
Only a few more hours to register and attend live. See you there?
Juliet Robinson
Leadership and Change Specialist
