Spiraling Up

The Negativity Paradox: Clear in Others, Invisible in Self

The Silent Weight of Workplace Negativity: My Research Journey

My path into studying workplace negativity wasn't planned—I was thrown into the lion's den of organizational toxicity during my PhD research. What started as an academic pursuit quickly revealed a universal challenge plaguing organizations across sectors.

Through interviewing twelve high-level executives, including six CEOs managing thousands of employees, I uncovered disturbing patterns. Three executives physically collapsed from the weight of organizational negativity, with two requiring hospitalization. These weren't isolated incidents—they highlighted three critical findings:

1. Negativity's impact transcends industry boundaries, affecting everything from healthcare to construction

2. Even seasoned leaders aren't immune to its effects, as demonstrated by the physical collapse of experienced executives

3. We systematically underestimate our personal absorption of negative energy while readily identifying it in others

This paradox became the cornerstone of my research: our ability to spot negativity's impact on colleagues while remaining blind to its effect on ourselves. It's this unconscious absorption that makes workplace negativity particularly dangerous—like a silent weight that accumulates until it becomes too heavy to bear.

My findings reveal an urgent need for new approaches to recognize and address negativity before it reaches crisis levels. The physical toll on these executives serves as a stark warning about the real costs of unmanaged workplace toxicity.

A Thank You and Simple Ask: Your Review Can Change Workplaces

Dear Advance Community,

Would you share your thoughts about Spiraling Up?

I'm reaching out with profound gratitude and a humble request. Over the years, your commitment to our shared journey through articles, podcasts, and resources has been extraordinary. Your engagement has made this community what it is today.

I'm excited to share that my new book, "Spiraling Up," has finally made it into print and audio. This work represents more than three years of early morning doctoral research sessions (4-7 AM), a dissertation, and the dedicated effort of a team who helped bring the manuscript to life. As one of my mentors wisely noted, "Many aspire, but few attain." The fact that this book exists feels nothing short of miraculous—a grace I don't take for granted.

In the eight years since "The Conversationalist," life has brought both profound joys and significant losses. These experiences, along with the challenges faced by those I mentor and coach, have deeply influenced "Spiraling Up." In a world often dominated by negativity, leaders desperately need ways to cultivate positivity within their organizations, especially when facing setbacks, difficulties, and toxic situations.

While "Spiraling Up" isn't a perfect solution to workplace challenges, it offers practical pathways toward positive change. Just yesterday, I was coaching a leader in Australia who manages 300 employees. After experiencing a moment of anger with a team member, he reflected, "Russell, it only takes one moment of losing your mind to lose your reputation. I need to get a handle on my stress before it threatens my team and organization." Learning that his wife had given him "Spiraling Up" as a Christmas present brought me immense joy—it's exactly the kind of impact I hope this book can have.

This is where I need your help. Your endorsement on Amazon would be invaluable in helping "Spiraling Up" reach other leaders who might benefit from its message. While I can't predict where this book's journey will lead, I know that your support could help it find its way to a leader who needs its message to turn the tide in their workplace.

If you've found value in this book, would you consider taking a moment to share your thoughts in an Amazon review? Your endorsement could be the bridge that connects this resource with a leader who needs it most.

Thank you for your continued support and for considering this request. Your involvement in this community continues to inspire and humble me.

With sincere appreciation,

Russell

Rest, Reset, Spiral Up: Learning Leadership in Real Time

As I celebrate the release of my book Spiraling Up, I find myself living its principles in real-time. With a demanding 9-week travel and leadership training schedule, it took a Colorado snowstorm and my wife's gentle reminder to recognize that I needed rest. A few sharp comments revealed that fatigue of my own pace and external factors from all happening around me was setting in, and negativity surfaced around those closest to me—time for a pause, self-reflection, and self-leadership after a good nap.

My experience reinforces one of the book's core insights: we often don't realize how much negativity we've absorbed until it surfaces unexpectedly. I'm thankful for the feedback that keeps me accountable to the leadership I strive to embody at home and work.

Negativity is subtle. It accumulates quietly and can impact us exponentially. If you're wrestling with its effects in your professional life, Spiraling Up offers a pathway toward positive transformation. I invite you to engage with the book, reflect on your own experiences with negativity, and join me in this journey toward shaping a positive culture around you. After all, I'm not just the author—I'm also a practitioner learning alongside you.

Spiraling Up Launch! - Watch the 90 Second Trailer

Whether you are a seasoned executive looking to reinvigorate a stagnant culture or a new manager seeking to build a foundation of positivity from the ground up, 'Spiraling Up' is designed to be your guide, your toolkit, and your inspiration on this transformative journey. The book is divided into three parts:

  • Part 1 - Focuses on understanding workplace negativity

  • Part 2 - Delves into the SPIRAL framework - 6 strategies for addressing it

  • Part 3 - Provides practical steps for transforming it.

Each chapter will be concluded with a summary of insights, reflection questions, and a team exercise, creating a real-time response for leaders with their teams.

Together, we will explore the art and science of authentic leadership, the power of reframing negative mindsets, and the practical steps you can take to cultivate a workplace culture that brings out the best in everyone.  

So, let us embark on this journey together as we uncover the secrets of 'Spiraling Up' and unlock the full potential of our teams, our organizations, and ourselves as leaders in an ever-changing world. With your dedication, compassion, and steadfast commitment to positive change, we can transform even the most challenging workplace dynamics and create organizations that thrive in adversity.  

Spiraling-Up is like a “break glass in case of emergency” kit for culture change.
— Michael Brunner Senior Director R&D Strategy at Kimberly-Clark

Why Spiraling Up: A 40-Minute Interview with Dr. Russell Verhey at NLC

In a compelling interview at New Life Church, Dr. Russell Verhey shares the deeply personal journey that led to his groundbreaking book, "Spiraling Up." From navigating the challenges of starting a business during COVID to discovering how workplace suffering can fuel transformative purpose, Dr. Verhey's story resonates with leaders seeking authentic paths to cultural change.

The conversation weaves through pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of workplace dynamics:

  • Putting Down Roots: Dr. Verhey opens up about the foundational experiences from GA-CO that grounded his faith, family, and relationship.

  • Passion for Leadership: His journey from experiencing workplace negativity firsthand to developing a passion for helping others navigate similar challenges.

  • Defining Moments: How personal trials became the catalyst for understanding that passion truly informs purpose.

  • COVID Business Launch: The unexpected insights gained from during global uncertainty.

  • Negativity's Impact: Research-backed findings on how negativity affects workplace culture and performance.

  • TRIBE Leadership Model: Introduction to his innovative framework for authentic leadership, encompassing Transparency, Reflection, Integrity, Balance, and Empowerment.

What sets this interview apart is Dr. Verhey's vulnerability in sharing how his faith journey intertwines with his professional mission. He reveals how the Lord continually leads him into deeper places of trust, informing his approach as both a Workplace Psychologist and leadership coach.

For leaders wrestling with cultural transformation, this interview offers both practical frameworks and leadership insights for the journey ahead.

Watch the full interview to discover how workplace suffering can become the foundation for positive change:

"Spiraling Up" launches on Amazon Friday November 1st: https://amzn.to/3YKuvxx

Spiraling Up - Book Launch November 1st

From my Dissertation to a Leader’s Practical Guide how to respond to Negativity in the Workplace

As an organizational development consultant, I've walked into numerous rooms filled with tension, skepticism, and outright hostility. One particularly memorable moment came when a frustrated physician slapped his hand on the table, demanding, "What are you saying, Russell, that we're supposed to be a team?" That confrontation was a turning point, crystallizing my understanding of workplace negativity's devastating impact and igniting my personal mission to combat it.

Over my 25-year journey as a business owner and leadership consultant, I've witnessed the insidious effects of workplace negativity firsthand. From toxic gossip to systemic distrust, I've seen how negativity can transform vibrant workplaces into environments where employees survive rather than thrive. This personal experience and my doctoral research interviewing executives across multiple industries revealed a crucial truth: while negativity can spiral downward quickly, positive change is equally powerful when adequately activated.

"Spiraling Up," launching on November 1st, is the culmination of my work with nearly 500 leaders and insights from over 100 social and psychological workplace studies. The book introduces the SPIRAL framework – a practical, research-backed approach that has been rigorously tested in the field and proven effective. This isn't just theory; it's battle-tested wisdom from the frontlines of organizational change, designed to instill confidence in its effectiveness.

What excites me most about this launch is the opportunity to share a message of hope. I've seen firsthand that transformation is possible, even in the most challenging environments. We can create workplaces where people feel valued, engaged, and empowered through authentic leadership and strategic intervention. As we approach the November 1st release, I'm filled with energy and optimism, knowing that we can help leaders worldwide turn the tide from negativity to lasting positive change.