Everybody is aware of the fact that a healthy and positive environment at the workplace can boost productivity and when you are the manager, it is your responsibility to keep and maintain it. Toxicity can often take place at work and it gets even more difficult for the managers as they are the center of communication and other instructions. Though it is a commonly occurring problem, learn how to deal with it wisely without losing your place or temper.
What is Actually Toxicity at the Workplace?
Toxicity can take many forms and shapes starting from passive-aggressive behavior to harassing on a regular basis or shaming for no reason. Such a toxic environment can lead to a hostile situation where the employees lose morale and the organization can face severe internal problems. Managers especially have to deal with a lot of people every day and what proves their effectiveness when they can easily deal with such problems? Here are some symptoms of traits of toxic people that can be identified through their behavior.
• They believe they are always right.
• They get easily offended even if the issue is not regarding them.
• They tend to accuse others while constantly pushing their opinion.
• Most toxic people have a common trait of manipulating others.
• Instead of helping, they might take advantage of the situation.
So, How to Deal with Such Toxic Employees or Coworkers?
As a manager, it can be really hard to deal with toxic people since you have to work with them and run the operations while cutting out the drama. Here are effective practices that can help you in the process.
1. Do Not Please Them
A lot of people might show indifferent behavior since you are the manager whom they need to report. Do not try to please them as it can significantly drain your morale and energy. So, stick to your own decision on what feels right, but also keep some room for changes if that can help create a better work environment.
2. Speak Up When Feel Uncomfortable
You need to protect yourself and your team from toxic people. So, never refrain whenever you feel unsafe or uncomfortable around someone. Learn to speak up so that the balance is maintained without engaging in any harmful behavior. The key is the confidence to speak up because that offers a warning to others and also keeps your team safe.
3. Do Not Get Pulled into Toxicity
Negative influence can spread faster and greater than a bushfire. Toxic people tend to take more in their side by manipulation or by confrontation. It is very important to stick to your morale and get sucked into the toxic influences coming from around.
4. Set Boundaries
Learn to set boundaries that help your safe distance from them. Such as, you can engage in a professional topic but never share your personal life with them. Set boundaries but learn to be firm and polite as well.
5. Keep a Positive Attitude
Keeping hold of your emotions is mandatory or these people might try to evoke it for any selfish reason. Stay focused, and determined, and keep a positive attitude even when the tough times hit hard. This will also help you create better bonds with coworkers.
Bottom Line
Just like you need to protect yourself from toxic people, you should be also aware of your own behavior and how it impacts others. Or else, you will turn into one of them only and it is not a good sign for a manager. So, follow the aforementioned practices and keep the toxicity away!
