Last week I was talking with an industry friend who has someone working in their company who was creating a toxic environment.
I cannot take credit for this list but I can tell you I have seen it, lived it and I bet you have as well. There is nothing worse than a toxic colleague or teammate. When you’re in the company of toxic people and if you cannot change their behavior you and your company will NEVER win or be successful surrounded by these types of people. They must go. Here is what to watch for:
10 of the most common and destructive behaviors:
- Backstabbing, criticizing, and blaming everyone else.
- Stealing credit for ideas.
- Gossiping and spreading rumors.
- Agreeing in meetings, but not following through afterward.
- Undermining and it’s never their fault.
- Hoarding information.
- Caring only about personal agendas (over team and company goals.)
- Quick to gain glory.
- Gaslighting – causing you to question the validity of your own thoughts.
- Creating unnecessary drama and distraction.
Toxic colleagues are costly to company morale AND their affect can be highly contagious. That is why good people QUIT. Good people do not want to be part of a toxic team.
I have never been part of a successful team where people put themselves ahead of the team.
Please, share your thoughts with me at krichardson@transrep.ca
