Workplace Detox 10 Strategies for Managing Malcontents and Toxic Employees Presented by Raven R Applebaum ravenapplebaumogletreecom 2018 Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak amp Stewart PC Top 10 Types of Toxic Employee ID: 767391
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Workplace Detox: 10 Strategies for Managing Malcontents and Toxic Employees . Presented by Raven R. Applebaumraven.applebaum@ogletree.com © 2018, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Top 10 Types of Toxic EmployeeThe Defiant EmployeeThe BullyThe Limit PusherThe Martyr/VictimThe NarcissistThe BackstabberThe UnmotivatedThe PranksterThe GossipThe Negative Nellie
The Defiant Employee
The Bully
The Limit Pusher
The Martyr
The Narcissist
The Backstabber
The Unmotivated Employee
The Prankster
The Gossip
The Negative Nellie
10 Detox Strategies
1: Avoid Hiring in the First PlaceAssess the quality of your hiring processDo you have a robust, accurate job description?Are interviewers trained?Have you identified the character traits and behaviors that lead to success in your organization?Can you spot a toxic employee?
Common Traits and Behaviors of Toxic EmployeesFocus on themselves and not on their teamBlame others for failures, take praise for successLack humilityStirs the pot, gets involved in gossip
Screening QuestionsWhy do you want to leave your last employer?What would change about your last job?What do you like most about your current job?Give me an example of a workplace mistake you made, and what you learned?Do you have any skills gaps?
Screening QuestionsDescribe your past relationships with coworkersIdentify the values you think are important in a workplaceDo you look to anyone for advice or counsel
Other StrategiesConsider team interviews, multiple interviewersAsk “forced negative questions”Describe the behaviors of the worst boss you’ve hadAsk behavioral/situational questionsAssess body language and non-verbal cues
2: Listen and ActHR involvement earlyListen to all the stakeholdersObtain specific, concrete examples of behaviorCollect evidenceDirect feedback; no sugarcoating
3: Set LimitsTrain supervisors to set limitsLength of meetingsThe “last word”Time spent on emailing, documentingAvoid defensiveness
4. Manage PerformanceUse best practices for performance managementReview history of performance reviewsFocus on objective, measurable behaviorUse direct language and provide examples of behaviorFocus on how the behavior is perceived by others
5. Assess LeadershipIs the problem the supervisor and not the employee?Listen to employee complaints objectivelyIs there a pattern or a history?Is one employee standing up for the group?
Leadership Traits Suited for Managing Toxic EmployeesControl of own egoNot a “pleaser”HumilityPatienceAmenable to documentation and performance managementDecisiveUnderstands that not all employees can be “turned around”Communicates wellDoes not micro-manage
6. Train ManagersMinimizing gossip, pot-stirringAddress performance problems quickly and directlyDemonstrate authorityAllow independenceResist micromanagingPraise authentically
Understanding How Negativity SpreadsRole of ego and perceptionSmall gestures at top level can spreadNegative behaviors unchecked spread to the group, creatingMore negativityApathyDeflation
7. Support or Change SupervisorHR’s role in supporting or changing supervisionWhen to get legal involvedManaging the fall-out from supervisor changeGarnering support for supervisor changeShowing a “united front”Offering resources to supervisor
8. IsolatePhysical distance; office layoutWork hours; flexible scheduleWorking remotelyNumber and composition of meetings and interactionsConsider a special project or reassignment that better matches skills, traits, and behaviorConsider limiting or changing job dutiesConsider removing supervisory responsibilitiesSource: Christine Porath
9. DocumentIf it’s not documented, it did not occurUnderstand the role of documentation in litigation defenseUse “Documentation Do’s and Don’ts”
10. Exit StrategyAssess risk of termination with counselEstablish history of documented performance managementAddress past positive performance reviews (explain the change in writing)Do not disguise reason for termination
Exit StrategyConsider a “soft landing”Transition agreementCommunication planOutplacement assistanceSeverance Agreement
Workplace Detox: 10 Strategies for Managing Malcontents and Toxic Employees . Presented by Raven R. Applebaumraven.applebaum@ogletree.com © 2018, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.