📝 Karsten Miller (MFVAllSportsNetwork)
A KNEE JERK reaction to toxic culture is running away. Although it is not wrong to leave toxicity, not everyone is granted the luxury of leaving a terrible sports environment immediately. The other end of the spectrum is to TOUGH IT OUT, which is also not wrong when tempered correctly. Toxic fumes are deadly, so toughing it out doesn’t mean staying and doing absolutely nothing. Eventually you will have to leave. So Miller Flow, what do we do when we discover a sports culture is toxic. Here’s 5 Things to try that’ll help:
1 – PROTECT YOUR CONFIDENCE
Despite negativity, or anything toxic people say about your abilities, value what you do. Do not allow toxicity to define who you are, or your abilities. Believe in yourself even when others do not.
2 – STAY PROFESSIONAL & SILENT
Do not respond to gossip, slander, and drama that toxic culture brings to you. It is best to stay silent not letting people know of your intentions. Keep a positive attitude and allow for your work to speak. There will be non-toxic people who will recognize your what you’re doing. Staying silent also keeps terrible leaders from trying to gain an advantage.
3 – FIND A TRUSTED MENTOR
Find an honest, trustworthy coach, or former coach, or an individual who will hear your story, and help you down the right road. This will be a person who will be helping any and every person they possible can (remember toxic people only help those they favor).
4 – CONTROL THE THINGS YOU CAN CONTROL
Your focus has to be on things you have control over: your response, your attitude, your work efforts to make you an excellent teammate. You cannot take charge over a toxic sports culture. You cannot fix them, and it’s not your job to do so.
5 – KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO EXIT
When the disrespect, the lies, and deceitfulness is becoming way too harmful to your growth, then it is time for you to make a graceful exit. Your mental health and love for the game need to be protected. Signs of no improvement is indication another program is best for you.
I want to highly emphasize that you must be cool with the price it costs leaving a toxic community. Your name will be maligned and the leaders may do what they can to take revenge on you. Still, be willing to walk away, and continue walking. Peace is more valuable than staying in a place not seeking to change.
