Leave Toxic and Fake Companies

In the past, I was excited to go and work for a particular company (respectfully leaving it unnamed). Their supposed values aligned with mine.

When I started working for the company, I quickly discovered that no one at the company was actually living the values they preached in the company motto. It was all just words to them.

The company was also quite toxic. Gossip and backstabbing was the norm. Disillusioned, I summed up my courage and went to the CEO. I told him very politely that this company didn’t seem to be living the values they talked about in the interview.

He gave me a strange look. He said, “Of course that’s the case. That’s our outward face to the world, not the reality of our company.”

I quickly put in my 2 weeks notice and left the company.

I suggest leaving companies that don’t practice the values they preach. I suggest leaving companies that are toxic.

I’ve gone on to interview some of the most successful CEOs on the planet. Authentic leadership is about embracing and living the values your company preaches.

I left on good terms with the company I’m referring to here. Don’t burn bridges. Just be sure to find something better. You deserve the best.

Jeff Davis is an award-winning author and authentic leadership expert. To take your leadership prowess to the next level, check out his book The Power of Authentic Leadership: Activating the 13 Keys to Achieving Prosperity Through Authenticity.