How to Deal With Toxic Coworkers - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Deal With Toxic Coworkers - Introvert Whisperer How to Deal With Toxic Coworkers Very few people make it to retirement without encountering at least a few truly toxic coworkers. There’s no shortage of advice on dealing with people like this. Unfortunately, much of that advice seems to be designed for people who excel at direct confrontation. Many introverts don’t fall into this category. In addition to this, the advice often misses out on the behaviors that can be specifically toxic for introverts. Dealing with toxic coworkers can be especially overwhelming. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to identify toxic behavior and deal with it productively. Learn to Recognize Toxic Behavior Toxic behavior is ongoing behavior that undermines productivity, compromises safety and ethics, or creates hostile work conditions. These go beyond someone being a bit lazy or a bit of jerk. Dealing with toxic employees can truly take a toll. So, be on the lookout for the following behaviors. Aggression And Bullying Aggression and bullying can be expressed in physical ways, but they aren’t limited to that. Workplace bullies often use underhanded techniques as means to make their behavior seem innocent. This might include couching insults in humorous or supposedly helpful remarks. Favoritism It’s easy to assume that only those in leadership positions can use favoritism to create a toxic work environment. This isn’t true. Toxic people can form cliques, work cooperatively with some while refusing to do so with others, for example. Credit Stealing These are coworkers who are happy to seek advice and assistance on projects or who will even suggest that you to take the lead. Unfortunately, when the work is finished they manage to ensure that only their name is on the final product. Gossipping Gossip exists, and most people engage it on some level. However, when gossipping means starting false rumors, pitting people against each other, or otherwise actively sabotaging the target’s ability to fit in and succeed in the workplace is toxic behavior. Refusal to Communicate or Setting Unclear Expectations Some toxic coworkers will engage in tactics such as leaving you out of important communications. They might also deliberately send unclear expectations or ignore your requests for clarification. This leaves you unable to do your job effectively. Now that you know what toxic behavior looks like, you can take action to deal with it. Avoid Devil’s Advocating to Yourself   Everyone deserves to work in a place that is safe and conducive to them doing their best work. Everyone is also obligated to behave in ways that contribute to a healthy and productive workplace. When people cannot or will not do so, they are toxic. It’s their job to figure out and address their behavior. Don’t take on their task by becoming a devil’s advocate. For example, if Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!  Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer