Dr. Baker's Latest Release as Featured on Yahoo News
Toxic Workplace
Survival Guide
Are you struggling with a toxic work environment?
Feeling overwhelmed and stressed out?
The Toxic Workplace Survival Guide is here to help! Learn simple tips and techniques for managing stress and helping you set boundaries so you can live your best life.

by Sara J. Baker, Ed.D.
Are you a new leader looking for your team to follow and trust you? Have they been hesitant about listening to you up until now? It can be difficult when transitioning into a leadership role, but there are specific steps that can help build loyalty among your team.
Let’s look at five simple yet effective strategies to get your team to love you so they will remember the impact of inspiring leadership. Read on as we discuss key elements such as communication and trust-building that excite teams about working with their leaders!
Set expectations and be clear about what you expect from your team
As a leader, setting and communicating expectations clearly to your team is essential. A shared understanding of what is expected of each team member is crucial to achieving your team’s goals efficiently and effectively. Being upfront and transparent about your expectations creates clarity and sets the tone for a positive and productive work environment.
Clear expectations also help team members understand their priorities, giving them the confidence to take action and make decisions. So, take the time to set expectations, communicate them clearly, and keep the conversation going, and you’ll see your team thrive.
Listen and accept feedback to take advantage of collective wisdom
When was the last time you truly listened to someone’s feedback? I mean, really listened. It can be hard to hear criticism or critiques about our work, but accepting feedback is the key to unlocking the potential of collective wisdom. Think about the last time you worked on a project with a team. Each member brought their own unique experiences, perspectives, and skills to the table.
When we listen and accept feedback, we can use those different viewpoints to improve our work. So the next time someone offers you feedback, take a deep breath, open your mind, and listen. You might just be surprised at the power of collective wisdom.

Foster an environment of mutual respect and trust within the team
Building a team that works together harmoniously can be a tough challenge, but it’s not impossible. To foster an environment of mutual respect and trust, it’s essential to make communication a top priority. Encourage team members to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment, and be sure to actively listen to what they have to say.
This will help build trust and respect and ultimately create a cohesive team that is more productive and effective. So, let’s make a commitment to work towards this common goal. As we continue to support one another and show respect toward our differences, we can build a team that truly shines.
Offer resources, rewards, and recognition for hard work
Now, let’s talk about the importance of recognition for hard work. We all know that putting in effort and dedication can be tough, but it sets us apart from the rest. That’s why offering resources, rewards, and recognition for hard work is crucial. Providing these incentives not only encourages your team to keep pushing themselves, but it also increases job satisfaction and productivity.
Who doesn’t love being acknowledged for their efforts, am I right? So, let’s make sure we’re showing our appreciation for those who go above and beyond in the workplace. It’ll pay off in the long run and create a positive work culture that everyone will thrive in.

Demonstrate leadership by example – set the tone for the rest of the team to follow
Being a leader isn’t just about giving orders and expecting others to follow. It’s about being a role model and setting the tone for your team to mimic. When you lead by example, you not only gain the respect of your employees, but you also give them something to emulate.
Your actions speak louder than words. If you want your team to work hard and produce great work, you must show them how it’s done. It’s also your job to help them set and respect healthy boundaries. When you model a healthy relationship with your work life, your team will respect you for it and follow your example. Being a leader can be daunting, but if you approach it with energy and enthusiasm, you’ll be able to motivate your team in no time. So, go out there and be the leader your team needs – lead by example, set the tone, and watch your team soar.
Being a new leader comes with many challenges and complexities. However, if you use these five tips as guidance, those challenges should become easier to handle. Start by setting expectations and being clear on what you expect from each team member. Then, listen to your team and take advantage of collective wisdom.
Create an environment of mutual respect and trust among the members while also rewarding hard work with recognition and resources. Last but not least, lead by example – be the leader you want your team to emulate. By doing so, you will find yourself with a motivated group of individuals who are ready to follow you down any path.

About the Author
Dr. Sara Baker is an advocate for positive leadership and healthy workplaces. With over 20 years of experience leading private and public organizations, she understands the challenges that employees and leaders face every day.
Sara is the author of Toxic Workplace Survival Guide, an essential resource for anyone who wants to thrive in spite of a toxic work environment or who is ready to quietly quit. In addition to her writing, Sara provides online courses for leadership development and coping with a toxic workplace.
Sara enjoys spending time with her family and friends on her farm in Texas.

About the Author
Dr. Sara Baker is a thought leader in the area of positive leadership and healthy workplaces. With over 20 years of experience leading private and public organizations, she understands the challenges that employees face every day.
Sara is the author of Toxic Workplace Survival Guide, an essential resource for anyone who wants to thrive in spite of a toxic work environment or who is ready to quietly quit. In addition to her writing, Sara provides online courses for leadership development and coping with a toxic workplace.
Sara enjoys spending time with her family and friends on her farm in Texas.

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