April 26th | #CoffeeTalk with Mel Robbins | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Learn how to handle toxic co-workers with three research-backed strategies: have a candid conversation, model positive behavior, and involve your boss if necessary.

Key Insights

• 👷 Toxic co-workers can create a negative work environment and negatively impact team productivity.
• 👷 Having a candid conversation with the toxic co-worker, providing specific examples, can lead to positive change.
• 😤 Modeling positive behavior and creating a psychologically safe environment can improve team dynamics.
• ❓ Involving your boss and establishing clear norms can address persistent toxic behavior.
• 👷 Personal boundaries and empathy can help separate yourself emotionally from toxic co-workers.
• ✊ Your own actions and mindset have the power to change the situation.
• 🤨 Raising your visibility and making your contributions known is crucial for career advancement.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How can I deal with a toxic co-worker who constantly gossips at work?

The first step is to have a candid conversation with the co-worker, explaining how their behavior is impacting you. Provide specific examples to help them understand. Offer advice on how they can better handle their grievances without gossiping.

Q: What should I do if my toxic co-worker constantly interrupts and dominates meetings?

Again, have a candid conversation with the co-worker, explaining how their behavior is affecting you and the team. Provide specific examples, and suggest alternative ways for them to express their opinions without dominating the conversation.

Q: How can I raise my visibility at work to counteract toxic behavior?

Model positive behavior by being a collaborative and supportive team member. Make your contributions known, ask for support when needed, and have direct conversations with your colleagues. Creating a psychologically safe environment will improve team dynamics.

Q: What should I do if the toxic behavior persists after having a conversation and modeling positive behavior?

If the toxic behavior continues, involve your boss by having a candid conversation with them similar to the one you had with your co-worker. Give specific examples and explain how the behavior is impacting the team. Ask your boss to hold a team meeting to establish clear norms and guidelines.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Toxic co-workers can negatively impact team productivity and culture, making it important to address their behavior.

• The Harvard Business School suggests three strategies: have a candid conversation with the toxic co-worker, model positive behavior yourself, and involve your boss if the behavior continues.