How to Deal With a Toxic Colleague
You love what you do and your boss is a gem. All should be well with your job. But something is keeping you from being happy - the toxic colleague. There is something obviously wrong. Whether it is because of low self-esteem or other reasons they make your life and/or others' lives a misery with their negative and destructive attitude. Learn how you can successfully deal with this toxic employee.
By Taryn Simpson
Do you love your job? Is your boss the greatest to work for? And yet, you're miserable at work? Don't let a toxic employee ruin your workplace! Below are helpful tips to turn this situation around quickly and effectively.
Spotting a Toxic Employee
What makes a toxic employee so deceptive to spot is that this employee is seemingly charming and pleasant to colleagues. Here is the key: does this person suffer from low self-esteem? Does the boss sometimes pass her over for special projects and give them to you or someone else on the team? Beware: this toxic employee will eventually rear his or her ugly head.
There is also the toxic employee who will wreak havoc simply to get attention for him or herself. This is another symptom of low self-esteem.
Handling the Toxic Employee
The key issue is resolved. You have spotted the toxic employee. But, how do you handle their shenanigans? Follow the Oprah workplace commandment: "Thou shall not gossip at work or say anything that they would feel uncomfortable about if it were plastered on a billboard, crediting you for the statement." That's a mouthful, for sure, but it is a sure-fire way to keep yourself out of trouble with the problem employee.
Next time you have a project, try asking their opinion. Compliment their work if it warrants it. It seems that the quickest way to stop the negative behaviour is to kill it with kindness. I'm sure there will be times when you are tempted to vent to other colleagues or your boss. But, try this approach first.
If the Toxic Employee Doesn't Respond
Ask the toxic employee to lunch or dinner after work. Be honest with them and let them know that you have noticed that they seem troubled at work. Ask how you can help. The employee will either be honest or say everything is hunky dory. At least you tried.
If the Toxic Employee Begins Attacking You
You may want to speak to your boss regarding this issue. Let him or her know the steps you've taken to resolve the issue and let them handle it. If they choose to do nothing, continue to do a great job for your boss and don't allow the employee to rule the workplace. That is difficult to do because these types of issues can get pretty ugly. However, if they aren't getting attention, they eventually stop the undesired behaviour. If they continue on, speak to Human Resources for ideas on how to handle.
Most of the time, toxic employees will stop their negative behaviour once they stop getting the attention they crave.
Taryn Simpson is a published author and freelance writer with over 15 years of HR experience. Taryn owns her own writing company, Simpson - E Publishing, which offers clients ghost-writing of novels, articles, web content, brochures, newsletters, and press releases. To learn more, go to, http://www.Simpson-EPublishing.com.
