Toxic Emotions at Work and What You Can Do about Them

In Toxic Emotions at Work, Peter J. Frost argues that managers must work to institutionalize compassion if they want to avoid the debilitating effects of pain on performance. Regardless of the organization or job level, pain--caused by anything from abusive bosses to budget pressures to unexpected traumas--is an inevitable byproduct of work. When pain is acknowledged and managed, it can be transformed from an emotional obstacle to a constructive force for change. But if it is ignored, pain can poison the workplace, hamper productivity, and threaten the bottom line. A world run on human capital requires human responses to the often harsh realities of business--and most leaders are shirking this vital responsibility. Consequently, self-appointed pain managers--"toxin handlers"--are currently shouldering the burden of emotional pain for entire organizations. Based on an in-depth study of this pervasive phenomenon, Frost illustrates how managers can recognize and support toxin handlers--and, importantly, what they must learn from these individuals to take on the critical role of emotional management themselves. The author also reveals the main sources of organizational toxicity and outlines ways companies can develop and formalize caring and constructive responses. Making a compelling case for compassion in business, this book helps leaders transform pain from an occupational hazard to a force for healthy organizations.