The problem of toxic coworkers is not new as it has been around since the start of organized labor. However, it’s become amplified in these times where teams have to collaborate to thrive. The impact is bigger and even more corrosive.

 

Gone are the days of top-down decision making. Instead, it’s been replaced with innovation from the lowest to the highest-ranks, unleashed through networking and knowledge sharing across all strata.

Businesses now thrive on teams and their ability to adapt and work harmoniously to deliver the best results. Because of this new dynamic, toxic co-workers, like a pack of falling dominoes disrupt workflow and success. Some of the notable problems with dysfunctional colleagues include:

•  Rumour mongering and gossiping.
•  Backstabbing, caustic criticisms, and finger-pointing.
•  Hoarding information.
•  Unapproachable, cold, and rude.
•  Agreeing in meetings and not following through with the conclusion afterward.
• Purposely undermining.
• Fielding personal agendas over the company’s

According to a study carried out by the Harvard Business Review,  the single most important factor in team success or failure is the quality of relationships of the team. The research also shows that just one toxic team member is all it takes to stop the teamwork cog from churning. Toxic colleagues are destructive because they undermine the work of the team, cause distractions and drama, erode the team brand, and drain the positive energy of other team members. Here are five tips on how to deal with toxic coworkers.

Also read:
-Six Steps To Resolving Workplace Conflicts Amongst Colleagues 
–Professional Tips That Can Help You Earn Respect At Your Workplace 
-Four Tips On How To Avoid Being The Focus Of Workplace Gossip

 

Check yourself

Check yourself, your actions, attitude, and reactions to this colleague to be certain you’re not rubbing off on them wrongly, bringing out their negative side. Sometimes, a little tweak in our actions goes a long way to changing people attitudes.

Have an honest and open conversation with the person

Not talking about it means the situation will continue unabated and impede the collective success of the team. You cannot assume the person’s bad attitude will suddenly phase-out. Talk to them about it, explaining how their actions are affecting you and the work. Also, ask for feedback to determine if there’s anything you can change or do better to further improve the situation. Opening up a dialogue is a huge step to having a better working relationship with the coworker or coworkers.

Beat them at their game

However tempting it may be, do not fall into the trap of trying to match their actions. Instead, be the bigger person. Resist the urge to have an open confrontation about it because this will mean you’re stooping to their level. Project the kind of attitude you want to see in the team and let your actions always further the spirit of collaboration. Set a standard that promotes dialogue and not reactive retaliation.

Escalate when necessary

If the issue is becoming unbearable, know that you can always talk to your boss or line manager about it. You can also suggest a meeting to address some of the toxic behaviors. The meeting should be an open one, where everyone feels comfortable enough to bare their minds and perspectives so as to find sustainable solutions to challenges in the team.

Finally, don’t allow it to affect your mental health

It’s very easy for work to seep into other aspects of your life, especially your mental or emotional health. However, you can choose not to let it. If you’ve done your best to maintain a healthy working relationship with your usurping colleague (s) then mentally walk away from it and don’t allow it to wear you down. You can seek advice from a trusted HR professional or mentor on how to manage the situation but generally, just breathe through it. Life is too short to carry the baggage of work on your shoulders.

 

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