Knowing Your Policy: The Key to Thriving in the Workplace

Know Your Company/Organization Policy: The Key to Thriving in Any Workplace

In every workplace, policies and procedures are meant to guide behavior, set

expectations, and foster a productive environment. But let’s be real—how often do we truly take the time to understand them? Knowing your company policy isn’t just about compliance; it’s about empowerment. It’s about understanding the rules of engagement so you can navigate workplace dynamics confidently and effectively.

And sometimes, the most important policies aren’t written down.

The Power of Knowing "Your" Policy

Before we dive into company policies, let’s talk about something even more personal: your own policy. In my book, It’s Me, Not You: How I Survived Toxic Work Environments, I share a moment that changed everything for me.

I was working in an environment where relational aggression—the covert bullying that happens through gossip, exclusion, or passive-aggressive behaviors—was rampant. Every day felt like a battle, but not the kind you see coming. It was the kind that left you questioning yourself and drained of confidence. Looking back, I realized I didn’t just need to understand the company’s policies—I needed to define my own.

I learned that a lack of personal boundaries made me power-deficient. This term describes what happens when you feel stripped of the authority to assert yourself or protect your well-being. It’s a dangerous place to be because it keeps you stuck in cycles of frustration and resentment, often without realizing you’ve been enabling the very behaviors that harm you.

The Intersection of Personal and Company Policies

Understanding your company’s policies is crucial because they can be a powerful tool in addressing toxic behaviors like relational aggression. Policies on harassment, workplace conduct, and grievance procedures exist to protect employees, but they can only work if you know how to use them.

Here’s the thing: knowledge is power. When you familiarize yourself with your company’s policies, you equip yourself to advocate for your rights, hold others accountable, and navigate tricky situations with confidence. It’s the written roadmap that aligns with the personal boundaries you set for yourself.

A Practical Takeaway

So, what can you do today to thrive in your workplace?

1. Understand the Policies: Review your employee handbook. Familiarize yourself with sections on workplace conduct, grievance procedures, and conflict resolution. These are your tools for addressing toxic behaviors.

2. Define Your Policy: Take time to reflect on your personal boundaries. What are your non-negotiables? How will you handle situations that challenge those boundaries? Write them down and revisit them regularly.

3. Recognize Relational Aggression: Pay attention to covert behaviors like gossip, exclusion, or manipulation. Call them out when appropriate, and use your company’s policies to address these issues constructively.

4. Reclaim Your Power: Remember, being power-deficient isn’t permanent. By knowing both your personal and company policies, you take the first step in reclaiming control and building a healthier work environment.

My Challenge to You

Take a moment today to review your company’s policies and identify one way they can support your personal boundaries. And if you’re ready to dive deeper into these conversations, grab a copy of my book, It’s Me, Not You. Together, we can navigate workplace challenges, break cycles, and set boundaries that protect your peace and amplify your potential.

What’s one policy—personal or company—that you’ll commit to mastering today? Let’s start the conversation in the comments and on

social media.