Workplace Assassins: How Toxic Employees Wreak Havoc
A client recently shared how a new employee joined their team as a Workplace Assassin a few months ago. They didn't know it then, but now months later, with the team in disarray and communication breaking down, the client clearly sees the influence of that one person.
A workplace assassin is a person who seems to have taken a master class in negativity, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake—stealthily sabotaging the work environment and creating a toxic atmosphere that can turn even the most cheerful office into a warzone. Their toxic behavior erodes company culture, disrupts teamwork, and leaves their colleagues feeling like they need to sharpen their ninja skills to survive the office jungle.
The Workplace Assassin is a character who often goes unnoticed, blending in with the rest of the workforce until their unhealthy behavior comes to light. They may be skilled at their job, meeting performance targets and appearing competent on the surface. However, their destructive behavior undermines the foundation of a healthy work environment and has far-reaching consequences.
One of the most damaging ways a Workplace Assassin impacts the workplace is through the erosion of company culture. A positive and healthy culture promotes collaboration, teamwork, and inclusivity, increasing engagement and productivity. However, a Workplace Assassin poisons the culture by engaging in behavior such as gossiping, spreading rumors, or engaging in backstabbing. They may also be arrogant or entitled, creating a toxic competitive environment that fosters individualism over teamwork. This leads to the breakdown of trust among team members and a decline in overall team performance.
Identifying such employees is challenging as they initially appear competent and may be skilled at hiding their toxic behavior. However, there are some red flags that employers and colleagues can look out for. For instance, a Workplace Assassin may engage in negative behavior such as spreading rumors, gossiping, or offering subtle negative comments about others. They may also exhibit selfish and self-centered behavior, showing little concern for their colleagues' well-being or the organization's overall goals. Additionally, they may have a history of interpersonal conflicts or poor relationships with colleagues. Recognizing these warning signs helps organizations proactively address the issue and prevent further damage.
?
Four Behaviors of a Workplace Assassin.
领英推荐
Countermeasures to the Workplace Assassins
Dealing with a Workplace Assassin requires a strategic approach. Here are some countermeasures that can help you combat their toxic behavior and maintain your sanity in the office:
You may wonder what to do if you're a leader facing a Workplace Assassin. Usually, there is more to a Workplace Assassin's behavior than stubborn negativity. So consider, is it possible to get to the root of the negativity? Do they need help at home, could they be stressed by the demands of life or feel under-utilized at work? If you notice toxic behavior, check and see if there's a deeper (often personal) issue at play. To the wider team, demonstrate you're not accepting Workplace Assassin behaviors by reemphasizing the kind of culture you're looking for. Encourage the positive. Acknowledge—publically and often—the work of your whole team.
Don't let a Workplace Assassin ruin your company, your team's experience, or your sanity as a leader.
Suppose you've noticed any of your own habits slipping into Workplace assassin territory. In that case, it's never too late to pivot and make a fresh start now. Begin by fostering thankfulness and bringing specific encouragement to those you work with. Acknowledge the work of colleagues. Refrain from sarcastic humor that undercuts collaboration and clarity.
How can you proactively acknowledge people's work this week?
Who do you need to thank today? And who might you have forgotten to thank from last week?
What isn't clear that needs clarification with the whole team?
Senior Strategist | Growth Marketing | Fill My Funnel - The LinkedIn Ads Agency | Driving Pipeline for B2B Brands Globally
1 年Valueble article Dan.
Elevating Leadership Impact ???????
1 年Great points and definitely good to identify the workplace assassins earlier rather than later! Providing honest feedback and speaking the the organisations values and guiding principles would also be part of the counter measures?
Adeption: Delivering scalable leadership development that grows leaders capacity to solve complex adaptive problems, together. The very best of human touch & technology smarts combined
1 年Love it Dan. I remember just such an assassin, and I couldn't understand how come the senior leaders around me kept her in her role, despite the impact she had everywhere. They hoped I would just find a way to 'make it work', and yet when I interviewed a recent colleague that seemed to get on well with her, I found out that wasn't the case and they had positively endorsed her for an internal move to get her out of the team because she was so toxic! On a positive note, I just had a huge boost from a specific note of appreciation that came through via email - the opposite of a workplace assassin, more a workplace angel.