It is true that being a manage in an organization is challenging especially when it comes to handling team-related problems. Your team must consist of different individual with different personalities and characteristics. Sometimes, differences are not a problem when they don’t affect negatively to others. However, sometimes there is that one member with toxic personality which affect the environment and dynamic within the team. What should you do to handle this kind of situation as the leader?
Is it really toxic personality
It is important to understand first what toxic personality is. Those who are considered having toxic personalities are individuals who are spreading negativity to their surroundings. They tend to mistreat and diminish others constantly. They also tend to criticize almost everything. These kind of behaviors are damaging and considered toxic. And if there is a member in your team with this characteristics, you need to handle it in the best ways.
How to know if there is a member with toxic personality in your team?
As a leader, sometimes you are too focused on reaching your goals that you forget about the environment within your team. Hence, it is great if you can be more proactive in taking care of your team instead of waiting for the troubles to come. Observe your teams closely to see how they interact and communicate with each other. Observe how each member work with the project given to the team. If you notice there is someone or some people who tend to drag the group’s energy down then it can be a sign of toxicity within your team.
Make your own observation
To make good observation, be open and stay receptive to every comment or complaint from your members. It is even better if you can take notes as well aside from listening to our team members attentively. When everything is documented, it is easier for you to register what is happening within the team.
When you notice there is someone with toxic personality that they often cause troubles or conflict with the other members, make further observation. Watch them carefully and discreetly. If possible,, have meeting with those individuals and assess their behavior. You can see if they behave in certain ways if they are only with the group. From this you can find out whether the problem is the person or the group itself.
Handling the issue
Once you know which person with toxic personality, you have to find ways to confront them. Make sure to take some considerations before such as how the person will take your feedback. For example, if the person is tend to be shy, you’d better confront them alone through one-on-one conversation. Or, you can also opt for a group setting approach if needed.
After confronting, do not forget to follow up with that person and see how they respond afterwards. You can also document their behavior to see if there is improvement. If the situation is not getting better, you might need to talk with human resources to find better solution.