How To Fix a Toxic Workplace: An Interview with Richard Hawkes

<p>Is workplace drama standing in the way of productivity? Do colleagues fight over petty issues? Are teams more concerned about protecting their territory than getting the job done? Is bad behavior being tolerated? These are just a few of the signs that a toxic workplace is impeding organizational success, says Richard Hawkes, author of NAVIGATE THE SWIRL and CEO of the consulting firm Growth River. These behaviors are part of “the Swirl” — the daily mix of problems, turf battles, and drama that block an organization’s ability to focus on the real issues that result in transformation and growth.<br> <br> In his forthcoming book, Hawkes presents a step-by-step guide for building highly engaged, high-performing teams and organizations, despite the Swirl. His playbook centers on Seven Crucial Conversations, a series of ongoing, intentional conversations that help people align and re-imagine the “social systems” in which they work.<br> <br> In this podcast, Jim Stroud, VP of Marketing at Proactive Talent interviews Hawkes on...<br> <br> • What the Swirl is, and how it holds companies back<br> • The signs of a toxic workplace<br> • What leaders should do to “detox” a toxic workplace<br> • The Seven Crucial Conversations that help organizations build highly effective teams and workplaces<br> • How to build high-performing teams in today’s hybrid workplace<br> <br> Hawkes’ insights in NAVIGATE THE SWIRL will help organizations break free of unnecessary constraints. The book provides a roadmap for wielding influence in the complex, adaptive social systems of today’s workplace.<br> </p> <p>ABOUT OUR GUEST</p> <p><strong>Richard S. Hawkes</strong>, author of&nbsp;<strong>NAVIGATE THE SWIRL,</strong>&nbsp;is the Founder of Growth River, an international consultancy&nbsp;that guides leaders and teams to create higher performance in businesses and organizations. Hawkes helps companies identify and resolve constraints to success. Clients include Edward Jones, GENEWIZ, Hitachi, Pfizer, Johnson &amp; Johnson, and Mars. He sees