In the unpredictable world of public relations, navigating a dysfunctional workplace can feel like a challenge. Common advice, such as “everyone’s replaceable,” may hold some truth, but survival in a chaotic environment isn’t always about being irreplaceable. It’s about being smart and knowing how to manage the mess around you.
Don’t Take the Chaos Personally
First and foremost, don’t internalise the disorder. In many PR environments, you might face unclear goals, conflicting feedback, or leadership that seems to enjoy chaos. This can make you feel like you’re failing when, in reality, the problem lies with the system. It’s not always a reflection of your ability.
Manage Expectations
One of the best survival tactics is to manage expectations—yours and your boss’s. If your manager is unclear about goals or unwilling to provide direction, take the initiative to set your own. Define what success looks like and seek confirmation from your boss. This doesn’t need to be formal; a simple, “Just so I’m clear, we’re aiming for X, right?” can bring clarity and keep you on track.
Focus on Results
In PR, particularly when things are chaotic, results matter more than creativity or flawless execution. Keep the work flowing, and focus on hitting deliverables. Regular, visible output will often do more to secure your job than knocking every project out of the park. Consistent delivery makes it hard for management to ignore your contribution, even if everything feels disorganised.
Build Relationships
A critical mistake is thinking your hard work will speak for itself. It won’t. You need to ensure that people know who you are and what you do. Building relationships with colleagues at all levels—interns to senior execs—can make a huge difference when things get tough. Having allies across the board can give you much-needed support and protection when the workplace feels unstable.
Handle Difficult Bosses
If your boss is the source of dysfunction, and their expectations are unclear or they are impossible to please, try asking direct questions. Push for specifics by asking, “What would make this project a success for you?” If they’re still vague, ride it out or adapt. You can’t always change a difficult boss, but you can often make the best of the situation by clarifying expectations.
Create Your Own Structure
In the absence of clear direction, establish your own systems. Setting up an approval process or a workflow that clarifies who has the final say can help cut through the confusion. By implementing structure for yourself, you can minimise the impact of contradictory feedback and ensure your work moves forward.
Keep Adding Value
Even when things are slow, stay proactive. If media coverage isn’t forthcoming, explore other ways to create value—introduce your client to an industry expert, set up meetings, or offer to take on tasks outside your normal scope. This shows resourcefulness, adaptability, and a commitment to contributing, even in tough times.
Shift Your Perspective
Surviving a dysfunctional workplace often comes down to adjusting your mindset. Don’t expect the environment to improve; instead, focus on what you can control. By setting your own goals, delivering consistent work, and building relationships, you can still thrive in a disorganised setting.
Plan Your Exit
Finally, recognise that not every job is worth fighting for. If the dysfunction is too much, start planning your exit. But while you’re still there, protect yourself by staying visible, keeping the work flowing, and maintaining professional relationships. Sometimes, just keeping things running is enough to survive until you’re ready to move on.
