Title: Toxic Employees: Preventing the Rot from Spoiling Your Workplace Culture
Meet Charlotte Sweeney, OBE, who spearheads Charlotte Sweeney Associates. You might've crossed paths with a toxic co-worker at some point, even if you didn't recognize their harmful actions at the time. These individuals can make your work life unpleasant, leaving a lasting impact long after you switch jobs or after they move on.
Let's pinpoint some common detrimental behaviors by these workplace toxicants: They often disguise their true nature, appearing helpful and conscientious towards supervisors, while being unpleasant, passive-aggressive, or downright cruel to their subordinates. Toxic workers excel at adapting their personas for each situation, ultimately benefiting themselves at the expense of their colleagues.
Gaslighting is another manipulative tactic they employ, causing others to question the truth behind their experiences or understanding of a situation. They even pit their colleagues against each other, backstabbing, throwing colleagues under the bus, and doing all the while with an insincere smile.
The most troublesome part of dealing with toxic employees is witnessing their ability to turn on their colleagues when necessary. This sudden change in behavior often leaves the victimized colleagues in a quandary, questioning their own recollection of events and feelings of self-doubt. Supervisors, encountering similar feedback, often claim ignorance of their team member's behaviors, insisting they are a valuable and cooperative team player.
Eventually, these toxic workplace relationships can lead to burnout and employees seeking greener pastures. If you, as a leader, have a toxic worker in your organization, you'll face an uphill battle.
Mitigating the Damage
If you suspect a toxic employee within your team, it's crucial to address the matter promptly and decisively.
1. Engage in an open dialogue.
Begin with a direct, non-aggressive conversation with the suspected person. Share what you've observed and the impact of their actions on the team, the workplace, and business objectives. Offer them a chance to express their perspective, actively listen without judgment, and make sure they know their behavior hasn't gone unnoticed.
2. Encourage openness.
Foster a sense of trust and psychological safety, particularly in your one-on-one meetings. Instead of questioning misbehaviors, ask about challenges or workplace concerns and actively listen to their answers without showing disbelief or dismissal.
3. Monitor digital communications.
Consider the role of online interactions, as many jobs now involve digital collaboration on platforms like Slack, Teams, Skype, or email. Observe communication patterns when the suspected individual is involved, as they may use these platforms to communicate in passive-aggressive or cruel ways.
4. Reinforce the rules.
Clearly state that such behaviors are not tolerated furnishing consequences for continued misconduct. Some employees may not view their toxic actions as affecting job performance, so it's essential to remove this misconception.
5. Understanding their motivations.
Pinpointing what drives the toxic employee's behavior can help redirect them. Are they driven by ambition for a promotion or higher salary? Perhaps more recognition? When you can identify their underlying motivations, you can clarify that alternative, productive actions lead to career advancement while toxic ones do not.
Remember, a supposedly "toxic" workplace can often be a result of misled or manipulated leaders, who fail to recognize toxic behaviors. Address toxic individuals directly to prevent further damage.
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Charlotte Sweeney OBE, the head of Charlotte Sweeney Associates, strongly advocates addressing toxic behaviors in the workplace promptly. In her experience, misguided leaders often overlook the damaging effects of such individuals, allowing them to harm their teams further.
By recognizing and addressing toxic workers responsibly, as outlined by Charlotte Sweeney OBE, organizations can foster a healthier, more productive work environment where employees thrive.
