By Jerry Nyazungu – The Chartered Vendor

Scroll through LinkedIn on any day, and you’ll see post after post telling you:

“Pray about the job… but also pray about the environment.”

Fair advice. But here’s the thing, these “environments” people complain about are almost always described as management’s fault.

The narrative goes:

  • Employers don’t care.

  • Bosses are toxic.

  • Leaders are demanding.

But if you’re an entrepreneur or in management, let’s be honest sometimes what LinkedIn calls “toxicity” is simply making people work hard and demanding results. In business, results are oxygen. Without them, everyone, including the employees, loses their livelihood.

When “Toxic” Just Means Doing Your Job

Here’s what I’ve noticed: Some employees label any form of accountability as oppression.

  • If you give them clear targets — you’re “too demanding.”

  • If you follow up on deadlines — you’re “micromanaging.”

  • If you push for better quality — you’re “stressing people out.”

Meanwhile, in competitive economies like China, India, and even some African startups, high standards are the norm not a human rights violation.

But Here’s What LinkedIn Often Forgets

A toxic workplace isn’t just built from the top down. It’s also built from the bottom up. Some employees bring their own brand of poison:

  • Gossip that kills trust.

  • Laziness disguised as “work-life balance.”

  • Resistance to change even when the old way is failing.

  • Excuse-making instead of problem-solving.

Culture Is a Shared Responsibility

If employers must provide:

  • Fair pay

  • Respect

  • Clear systems

  • Growth opportunities

…then employees must bring:

  • Professionalism

  • Accountability

  • Team spirit

  • A growth mindset

Because the truth is simple:

A toxic boss can ruin your job. A toxic employee can ruin everyone’s job.

So yes , pray about the job. Pray about the environment. But also ask yourself: Am I bringing clean water to this well… or am I the one muddying it?

#WorkCulture #Leadership #AfricanBusiness #ToxicWorkplace #MindsetShift #Teamwork #EmployeeEngagement #NoExcuses #BuildAfrica #Entrepreneurship #JerryNyazungu

Jerry Nyazungu

Written by Jerry Nyazungu

Known as "The Chartered Vendor," Jerry is a business consultant, international keynote speaker, and bestselling author. He transforms African businesses through strategic consulting and world-class sales training.

Learn more about Jerry