Managing and Leading a Toxic Employee

The true test of your abilities as a leader is how gracefully and professionally you manage difficult employees of all types. Here are a few tips for managing these challenging workers:

Don't Take Their Behavior Personally

When you encounter a toxic team member, remember that their actions have nothing to do with you. Presumably, they’re the result of the negative emotions they keep in themselves. You simply fill the chair that catches their wrath. Maintain a positive attitude and keep your temper in check while showing only your most professional face.

Suffocate the Drama

One thing we learn is that there's no drama unless everybody is willing to be in the play. If you don't acknowledge or join in the drama, then there's no drama.

Explain the Consequences of Their Actions

An essential element of this process is clearly explaining the consequences of someone’s negative behavior to them in professional terms. Depending on the situation, sending a written follow-up message to your face-to-face meeting is preferred and warranted.

Document Expectations and Evidence

Have your expectations of that employee clearly outlined in writing. Update periodically and make sure the employee has the support necessary to complete those duties. Many issues of disgruntled employees are the result of a lack of communication. Prepare,?gather information, and?document evidence. You need to make sure the toxic employee?is indeed (and continuously) toxic?and not just having a difficult day or week.

Resist Micromanaging

If you micromanage your employees, you’ll find they begin to resent your interference. This trust may lead an employee to rebel against oversight and to lash out at you instead of simply asking to be entrusted with more responsibility.

Draw the Line

Once you’ve taken measures but to no avail, it’s time to have a stern talk with the toxic employee. Mention specific instances when you felt the employee behaved inappropriately toward you, and that you expect a certain level of respect.

Respect must be earned, even in the workplace. If you find that an employee is behaving disrespectfully, you’ll get further by simply communicating with that employee. Failure to communicate could lead to an escalation of the problem until it spreads to the rest of the team.