The Silent Killer: Toxic Behavior's Devastating Effects on Your Workplace

The presence of toxic behavior can cast a long shadow over productivity and personal well-being. Toxic behavior is not a few particular set of action, but a range of attitudes that undermine harmony and effectiveness. In this article, we will jump into the intricacies of dealing with toxicity in the workplace, and the toxic people at work.

A study in Australia found that workplace bullying costs the Australian economy an estimated $6-$36 billion annually in lost productivity.

Understanding Toxicity in the Workplace

To combat toxicity effectively, it's important to first understand its nature. Toxic behavior can manifest in various forms, from persistent negativity and manipulation to outright aggression and bullying. But, it is important to know how to separate what is a toxic behavior and what is you simply not liking someone. We are all human and we respond to emotions, so in order to assess a toxic behavior the first thing is to understand if you see toxicity because of dislike of that person or you dislike a person because of a toxic behavior, but as anything in life, simpler said than done people, trust me.

If you have a colleagues you dislike or you are not a fan of because they said something about you at one point, chances are you will think they are toxic, but this could be you just projecting your personal feelings onto their behavior. For instance, if a colleague receives praise from a supervisor for a job well done, you might perceive their confidence as arrogance simply because you harbor resentment towards them. However, this doesn't necessarily constitute toxic behavior on their part. It's crucial to differentiate between genuine toxicity and instances where our own biases or interpersonal conflicts cloud our judgment. This requires a degree of self-awareness and critical reflection.

On the same level of complexity, it is also important to be aware that toxicity is not only someone bullying you but maybe someone undermining colleagues to elevate themselves or withholding information for the same reason.

Now, I will try to make it easier for everyone, these are the most common forms of toxicity in any workplace.

• Gossiping: Spreading rumors or engaging in negative discussions about colleagues can foster mistrust and division.
• Mob Mentality: Groupthink or peer pressure dynamics can lead to exclusionary behavior and conformity at the expense of individuality.
• Undermining: Deliberate actions to sabotage or undermine the efforts of others can erode trust and productivity.
• Bullying: Intimidating or harassing behavior towards colleagues can have serious psychological impacts and damage workplace culture.
• Discrimination: Treating individuals unfairly or unfavorably based on characteristics such as race, gender, or age can create a hostile environment.
• Emotional Manipulation: Guilt-tripping, gaslighting, or emotionally manipulating colleagues can create a toxic dynamic.

And these are other forms of toxicity that are hard to identify

• Micromanagement: Excessive control or scrutiny over employees' work can lead to frustration and demotivation.
• Withholding Information: Deliberately withholding important information or resources from colleagues can hinder their success and create distrust.
• Lack of Accountability: Failure to take responsibility for one's actions or decisions can lead to a culture of blame-shifting and avoidance.
• Excessive Competition: Promoting cutthroat competition among employees can lead to unethical behavior and a lack of collaboration.
• Toxic Positivity: Dismissing or invalidating legitimate concerns or emotions with overly positive attitudes can be dismissive and harmful.

Not so easy right?

Then how can you deal with these situations? Setting Boundaries, Practicing Selective Ignorance, Implementing Constructive Solutions and Building Resilience.

One of the most effective strategies for managing toxic behavior is the establishment of clear boundaries. By clearly communicating what is and isn't acceptable, individuals can assert themselves in the face of toxic interactions without exacerbating conflicts, you would be surprised how many people would stop only because you stood up. Diplomatic assertiveness is key here (even when you emotionally feel stressed and angry or frustrated), you need to understand behind that toxic behavior there is a goal, so always be diplomatic.

Then another solution is to ignore smartly. In many cases, engaging with toxic individuals only serves to perpetuate negativity and drain valuable energy. Recognizing triggers and learning to disengage from unproductive interactions is therefore essential. For example, if someone is saying in a meeting that I am not reliable (when I know I am) I will not engage in conflict. Be diplomatic, or in simple words, keep your cool.

By practicing selective ignorance, individuals can redirect their focus and efforts toward more positive things, minimizing the impact of toxicity on their own well-being.

While avoidance may provide temporary relief, true resolution often requires proactive intervention. Initiating constructive conversations and conflict resolution processes can help address underlying issues and facilitate positive change.

Dealing with toxic behavior doesn't come without challenges. People may find resistance, backlashes, or even recrimination when confronting toxic individuals or trying to implement solutions. However, building resilience is key for navigating these obstacles. By adopting coping mechanisms, practicing self-care, and seeking support, you can weather the storm of toxicity while keeping your emotional well-being and professional integrity.

Dealing with toxicity requires a combination of insight, assertiveness, and resilience. By understanding the nature of toxic behavior (why people do what they do), setting clear boundaries, and implementing constructive solutions, you can mitigate its impact and foster healthier workplace dynamics. With proactive measures and ongoing self-care, we can cultivate environments where positivity thrives, and toxicity finds no place to take root.

Have you ever seen toxicity in your past or present work environment? Comment below!